add_gap · Ebony Enriching MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_gap does on Ebony Enriching

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_gap needs a policy

This tool creates new entries in a research notebook by appending to a gaps file. It is a Write operation because it adds data to a file in a reversible manner (entries can be removed via `remove_gap`).

From the tool's definition Tool description states it will 'Record an unanswered query as a bullet in `gaps.md`', which creates new data by appending to a file. The server uses 'append-only semantics', confirming that this modifies data reversibly without deletion or overwrite.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_gap Rate-limited

add_gap 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": {
    "add_gap": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_gap_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 Ebony Enriching, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_gap

What does the add_gap tool do? +

Record an unanswered query as a bullet in gaps.md. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Ebony Enriching MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on add_gap? +

Register the Ebony Enriching MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_gap: 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 Ebony Enriching. Nothing to install.

What risk level is add_gap? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_gap? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the add_gap 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 add_gap completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for add_gap. 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 add_gap? +

add_gap is provided by the Ebony Enriching MCP server (parkviewlab/ebony-enriching). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.