create-scratchpad · Scratchpad MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create-scratchpad does on Scratchpad MCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create-scratchpad needs a policy

The tool creates a new data structure (scratchpad) within an existing workflow context. This is a reversible write operation with no side effects beyond adding a new artifact to the system. The blast radius is minimal as scratchpads are isolated collaboration artifacts. No destructive, execute, or financial implications.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'create-scratchpad' and description states it 'Create a new scratchpad in a workflow', indicating data creation. Verb 'create' is explicitly listed as a Write category example. No deletion, code execution, or financial operations are implied.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create-scratchpad Rate-limited

create-scratchpad 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": {
    "create-scratchpad": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create-scratchpad_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 Scratchpad MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create-scratchpad

What does the create-scratchpad tool do? +

Create a new scratchpad in a workflow. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Scratchpad MCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on create-scratchpad? +

Register the Scratchpad MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create-scratchpad: 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 Scratchpad MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is create-scratchpad? +

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

Can I rate-limit create-scratchpad? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create-scratchpad 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 create-scratchpad completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for create-scratchpad. 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 create-scratchpad? +

create-scratchpad is provided by the Scratchpad MCP server (pc035860/scratchpad-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.