propose_term · Phenomenai MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What propose_term does on Phenomenai

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why propose_term needs a policy

The tool name and server context strongly suggest this tool submits a new term proposal to the glossary, which is a write/create action. It likely creates a new proposal record reversibly (proposals can presumably be rejected or withdrawn). The description is empty, which lowers confidence, but the sibling tools (check_proposals, add_to_discussion) corroborate a contribution workflow.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'propose_term' on a server described as supporting 'a proposal p[rocess]' and 'contribute to Phenomenai — a living glossary'

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

propose_term Rate-limited

propose_term 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_term": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "propose_term_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 Phenomenai, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about propose_term

What does the propose_term tool do? +

propose_term. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Phenomenai 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_term? +

Register the Phenomenai MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for propose_term: 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 Phenomenai. Nothing to install.

What risk level is propose_term? +

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

Can I rate-limit propose_term? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the propose_term 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_term completely? +

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

propose_term is provided by the Phenomenai MCP server (phenomenai-org/ai-dictionary-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.