propose_update · Mind Mem MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What propose_update does on Mind Mem

AI agents use propose_update to create or update resources in Mind Mem — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Mind Mem environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why propose_update needs a policy

The tool creates or modifies memory records within the governed memory layer. The empty description and reliance on server context lowers confidence slightly, but the name 'propose_update' combined with the existence of 'approve_apply' as a separate governance step indicates this is a Write operation (reversible modification) rather than Execute or Destructive.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'propose_update' indicates modification of memory state. Server context describes a 'Memory OS' with 'governance' and 'safe governance', suggesting updates are proposed for approval rather than immediately applied.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

propose_update Rate-limited

propose_update stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "propose_update": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "propose_update_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Mind Mem, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about propose_update

What does the propose_update tool do? +

propose_update. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Mind Mem MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on propose_update? +

Register the Mind Mem MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for propose_update: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Mind Mem. Nothing to install.

What risk level is propose_update? +

propose_update is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit propose_update? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the propose_update rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block propose_update completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for propose_update. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides propose_update? +

propose_update is provided by the Mind Mem MCP server (ovidiu-eremia/mind-mem). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.