Get tail content from scratchpad (default: last 50 lines), or full content with full_content=true. Use include_content=false for metadata only.
AI agents call tail-scratchpad to retrieve information from Scratchpad MCP without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
tail-scratchpad retrieves data from a scratchpad with optional content filtering. It has no side effects, cannot modify or delete data, and does not execute code or trigger external operations. This is a straightforward read operation with minimal blast radius — misuse would only expose information already accessible to the agent within its workflow scope.
From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Get tail content from scratchpad' and 'Use include_content=false for metadata only' — purely retrieval operations with no modification, deletion, or execution capabilities.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Get tail content from scratchpad (default: last 50 lines), or full content with full_content=true. Use include_content=false for metadata only. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Scratchpad MCP MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Scratchpad MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for tail-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.
tail-scratchpad is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the tail-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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for tail-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.
tail-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.
tail-scratchpad is one line of Scratchpad's registry record.
The record carries the whole server: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, every tool classified, recommended policy — re-checked continuously.
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