AI agents call list_matter_items to retrieve information from Smokeball without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool queries and retrieves existing checklist items and workflow steps associated with a legal matter. It performs a read-only operation with no ability to create, modify, delete, or execute actions. The blast radius of misuse is minimal—an AI agent could only over-retrieve data, which would be logged and auditable. No data is altered, no commands are executed, and no financial transactions are involved.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_matter_items' and description 'List all items (checklist items, workflow steps) on a matter' indicate a retrieval operation with no modification or side effects.
Risk signalsBulk/mass operation — affects multiple targets
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List all items (checklist items, workflow steps) on a matter. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Smokeball MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Smokeball MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_matter_items: 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.
list_matter_items 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_matter_items 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_matter_items. 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_matter_items 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.
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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