mem_update · Qontinui MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What mem_update does on Qontinui MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why mem_update needs a policy

The tool updates (modifies) existing observations within the Qontinui visual automation system. This is a Write operation—it creates or modifies data reversibly. Severity is medium because misuse could corrupt workflow state or observations, but the action is reversible (data can be updated again).

From the tool's definition Tool name 'mem_update' and description 'Update an existing observation' indicate modification of existing data without deletion or reversal limitations.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

mem_update Rate-limited

mem_update 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": {
    "mem_update": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "mem_update_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 Qontinui MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about mem_update

What does the mem_update tool do? +

Update an existing observation. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Qontinui MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on mem_update? +

Register the Qontinui MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for mem_update: 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 Qontinui MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is mem_update? +

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

Can I rate-limit mem_update? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the mem_update 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 mem_update completely? +

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

mem_update is provided by the Qontinui MCP Server MCP server (qontinui/qontinui-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.