graph_relate · Graph-Memory MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What graph_relate does on Graph-Memory

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why graph_relate needs a policy

The tool's primary function is to create new relationships in the knowledge graph and may create entities as side effects. This is a Write operation: it modifies the persistent knowledge graph data in a reversible manner (relationships can be deleted or modified). It does not execute arbitrary code (Execute), delete data (Destructive), or move money (Financial).

From the tool's definition Tool name 'graph_relate' combined with description 'Create or strengthen a relationship between entities. Creates the endpoint entities if they don' (truncated) indicates creating and modifying graph relationships and potentially creating new entities.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

graph_relate Rate-limited

graph_relate 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": {
    "graph_relate": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "graph_relate_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 Graph-Memory, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about graph_relate

What does the graph_relate tool do? +

Create or strengthen a relationship between entities. Creates the endpoint entities if they don. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Graph-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 graph_relate? +

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

What risk level is graph_relate? +

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

Can I rate-limit graph_relate? +

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

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

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