update_active_context · SDOF Knowledge Base MCP

WHAT IT DOES

What update_active_context does on SDOF Knowledge Base

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why update_active_context needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies data reversibly—it updates an existing context rather than executing arbitrary code or destructively deleting data. The high severity reflects that modifying active context in a system that manages persistent memory and state could affect multiple downstream operations, decision-making, and system behavior if an AI agent makes unauthorized or incorrect context modifications.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'update_active_context' and description 'Update active context' indicate modification of active context state.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_active_context Rate-limited

update_active_context 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": {
    "update_active_context": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_active_context_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 SDOF Knowledge Base, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about update_active_context

What does the update_active_context tool do? +

Update active context. It is categorised as a Write tool in the SDOF Knowledge Base MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on update_active_context? +

Register the SDOF Knowledge Base MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update_active_context: 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 SDOF Knowledge Base. Nothing to install.

What risk level is update_active_context? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_active_context? +

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

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

update_active_context is provided by the SDOF Knowledge Base MCP server (tgf-between-your-legs/sdof-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.