agentbase_update_knowledge · AgentBase MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What agentbase_update_knowledge does on AgentBase

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why agentbase_update_knowledge needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies data in a reversible manner (characteristic of Write category). The blast radius is medium because an AI agent could accidentally overwrite shared knowledge in a collective knowledge base, potentially corrupting information for other agents, but the damage is limited to updates (not deletions) and the agent can only modify items it owns.

From the tool's definition Tool description states "Update a knowledge item you own" — modifies existing data reversibly.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

agentbase_update_knowledge Rate-limited

agentbase_update_knowledge 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": {
    "agentbase_update_knowledge": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "agentbase_update_knowledge_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 AgentBase, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about agentbase_update_knowledge

What does the agentbase_update_knowledge tool do? +

Update a knowledge item you own. It is categorised as a Write tool in the AgentBase MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on agentbase_update_knowledge? +

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

What risk level is agentbase_update_knowledge? +

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

Can I rate-limit agentbase_update_knowledge? +

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

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

agentbase_update_knowledge is provided by the AgentBase MCP server (revmischa/agentbase). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.