ingest_file · Memory MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What ingest_file does on Memory

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why ingest_file needs a policy

'Ingest' typically means ingesting (importing/indexing) a file into a system, which constitutes a Write operation — creating or modifying stored data (index entries). Given the server context of vector search and file monitoring, this likely adds or updates index entries. Since the description is empty, confidence is reduced. Severity is medium because misuse could pollute the semantic index with unwanted content.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'ingest_file' suggests reading a file and writing/indexing its contents into the vector store. Description is empty, lowering confidence.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

ingest_file Rate-limited

ingest_file 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": {
    "ingest_file": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "ingest_file_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 Memory, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about ingest_file

What does the ingest_file tool do? +

ingest_file. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Memory MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on ingest_file? +

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

What risk level is ingest_file? +

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

Can I rate-limit ingest_file? +

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

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

ingest_file is provided by the Memory MCP server (shaktisinhchavda/memory-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.