AI agents call cairntir_cross_recall to retrieve information from Cairntir without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool performs semantic search across the entire memory system (all wings/contexts). While it is a read-only operation (no data is modified or deleted), the severity is elevated to 'high' because: (1) it retrieves data across ALL stored contexts without apparent scope limitation, creating a high blast radius if an agent misuses it to access sensitive or private information; (2) in a system storing 'decisions and…
From the tool's definition Tool name contains 'recall' and description states 'Semantic search across EVERY wing', indicating data retrieval. The phrase 'search across' confirms query/retrieval functionality with no modification or deletion described.
Risk signalsBulk/mass operation — affects multiple targets
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Semantic search across EVERY wing. Use when a question might find. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Cairntir MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Cairntir MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for cairntir_cross_recall: 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 Cairntir. Nothing to install.
cairntir_cross_recall 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 cairntir_cross_recall 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 cairntir_cross_recall. 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.
cairntir_cross_recall is provided by the Cairntir MCP server (pnmcguire480/cairntir). 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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