add_matter_tags · Smokeball MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_matter_tags does on Smokeball

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_matter_tags needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies data (tags on matters) in a reversible manner. Tags can typically be removed or changed, making this a Write operation rather than Destructive. The severity is medium because misuse could pollute matter metadata, affecting law firm organization and searchability, but the operation is reversible.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'add_matter_tags' and description 'Add tags to a matter' clearly indicate modification of existing matter records by appending tags to them.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_matter_tags Rate-limited

add_matter_tags 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": {
    "add_matter_tags": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_matter_tags_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 Smokeball, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_matter_tags

What does the add_matter_tags tool do? +

Add tags to a matter. tags_json: JSON array of tag objects, each with keys:. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Smokeball MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on add_matter_tags? +

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

What risk level is add_matter_tags? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_matter_tags? +

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

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

add_matter_tags is provided by the Smokeball MCP server (rosenadvertising/smokeball-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.