Enhanced multi-mode scratchpad editing tool. Supports four editing modes: replace (complete replacement), insert_at_line (insert at specific line), replace_lines (replace line range), append_section (smart append after markdown section marker). Provides detailed operation feedback.
AI agents use update-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.
The tool modifies existing scratchpad data through various editing modes (replace, insert, append) but does not delete irreversibly or execute external code. Changes to scratchpad content are reversible (can be edited again or overwritten).
From the tool's definition Tool performs multi-mode scratchpad editing with 'replace (complete replacement)', 'insert_at_line', 'replace_lines', and 'append_section' operations that create or modify data reversibly in a shared scratchpad.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Enhanced multi-mode scratchpad editing tool. Supports four editing modes: replace (complete replacement), insert_at_line (insert at specific line), replace_lines (replace line range), append_section (smart append after markdown section marker). Provides detailed operation feedback. 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.
Register the Scratchpad MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update-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.
update-scratchpad is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update-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 update-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.
update-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.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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