sharpen_memory · Tages MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What sharpen_memory does on Tages

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why sharpen_memory needs a policy

The tool rewrites/modifies an existing memory entry by reformatting it into imperative language. This is a reversible data modification (Write), not destructive since the preview/confirm flow suggests the original can be reviewed before overwriting. Severity is medium because misuse could corrupt stored architectural conventions or decisions that guide AI coding behavior across sessions.

From the tool's definition 'Rewrite a memory value' and 'Returns a before/after preview unless confirmed=true' indicate this tool modifies stored memory content when confirmed

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

sharpen_memory Rate-limited

sharpen_memory 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": {
    "sharpen_memory": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "sharpen_memory_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 Tages, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about sharpen_memory

What does the sharpen_memory tool do? +

Rewrite a memory value into imperative form (ALWAYS/NEVER/MUST/DO NOT) using Claude Haiku. Returns a before/after preview unless confirmed=true. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Tages MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on sharpen_memory? +

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

What risk level is sharpen_memory? +

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

Can I rate-limit sharpen_memory? +

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

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

sharpen_memory is provided by the Tages MCP server (ryantlee25-droid/tages). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.