List all saved memories with optional filtering
AI agents call list_memories to retrieve information from SAM without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves or queries stored memory data without modifying, deleting, or executing any operations. The filtering capability is a standard read-time parameter that narrows query results. No reversible or irreversible modifications are made to the underlying data. Blast radius is minimal—misuse would expose stored memories but not alter or destroy them.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'list_memories' and description states 'List all saved memories with optional filtering' — a retrieval and query operation with no side effects.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access list_memories gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and SAM, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for list_memories:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"list_memories": {}
}
}list_memories is read-only, so it stays allowed — but everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
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List all saved memories with optional filtering. It is categorised as a Read tool in the SAM MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the SAM MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_memories: 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 SAM. Nothing to install.
list_memories 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 list_memories 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 list_memories. 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.
list_memories is provided by the SAM MCP server (pigrieco/mcp-memory-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Start from SAM, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.
Free to start. No card required.
37 SAM tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 43,000+ MCP servers.