Read back a value previously stored via memory_store, by exact (namespace, key) — lossless, includes metadata. Use when native Read is wrong because the value is not a file (it lives in the .swarm/memory.db SQLite store) AND you know the exact key. For semantic lookup by meaning, use memory_search.
AI agents call memory_retrieve to retrieve information from Ruflo without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
memory_retrieve is a data retrieval operation that queries an existing in-memory SQLite store (.swarm/memory.db) using exact namespace and key parameters. It has no side effects, does not modify state, and is strictly a read operation. The low severity reflects minimal blast radius—misuse would only expose whatever data was previously stored under known keys, not trigger external operations or cause data loss.
From the tool's definition Tool description explicitly states 'Read back a value previously stored' and 'lossless, includes metadata'. The tool retrieves data from an in-memory store by exact key lookup with no modification, creation, or deletion of data.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Read back a value previously stored via memory_store, by exact (namespace, key) — lossless, includes metadata. Use when native Read is wrong because the value is not a file (it lives in the .swarm/memory.db SQLite store) AND you know the exact key. For semantic lookup by meaning, use memory_search. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Ruflo MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Ruflo MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for memory_retrieve: 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 Ruflo. Nothing to install.
memory_retrieve 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 memory_retrieve 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 memory_retrieve. 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.
memory_retrieve is provided by the Ruflo MCP server (ruvnet/ruflo). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
memory_retrieve is one line of Ruflo's registry record.
The record carries the whole server: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, every tool classified, recommended policy — re-checked continuously.
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