patch_matter_archive · Smokeball MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What patch_matter_archive does on Smokeball

AI agents use patch_matter_archive 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 patch_matter_archive needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies data reversibly by updating archive-related metadata fields (like destruction_date) on an existing matter. It does not irreversibly delete data (which would be Destructive) nor does it execute arbitrary code or trigger external operations. The 'archive' terminology refers to metadata state rather than destruction.

From the tool's definition Tool name includes 'patch' (HTTP PATCH method for partial updates) and description states 'Update archive metadata fields on a matter'. The operation modifies metadata via a PATCH request without deleting the matter itself.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

patch_matter_archive Rate-limited

patch_matter_archive 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": {
    "patch_matter_archive": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "patch_matter_archive_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 patch_matter_archive

What does the patch_matter_archive tool do? +

Update archive metadata fields on a matter (PATCH). destruction_date: YYYY-MM-DD. 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 patch_matter_archive? +

Register the Smokeball MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for patch_matter_archive: 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 patch_matter_archive? +

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

Can I rate-limit patch_matter_archive? +

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

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

patch_matter_archive 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.