relay_write · Mcp Ad4m MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What relay_write does on Mcp Ad4m

AI agents use relay_write to create or update resources in Mcp Ad4m — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Mcp Ad4m environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why relay_write needs a policy

This tool creates and modifies relay messages in a shared semantic memory system accessible across multiple sessions. It is reversible (messages can be cleared or overwritten) and does not permanently delete data or move financial resources, placing it in the Write category rather than Destructive or Financial.

From the tool's definition Tool name includes 'write'; description states it 'Write[s] a cross-terminal relay message to AD4M', explicitly indicating message creation/transmission to shared state.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

relay_write Rate-limited

relay_write 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": {
    "relay_write": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "relay_write_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 Mcp Ad4m, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about relay_write

What does the relay_write tool do? +

Write a cross-terminal relay message to AD4M. Both Claude Code sessions connect to the same AD4M executor, so this enables real-time state sharing between terminals. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Mcp Ad4m MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on relay_write? +

Register the Mcp Ad4m MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for relay_write: 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 Mcp Ad4m. Nothing to install.

What risk level is relay_write? +

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

Can I rate-limit relay_write? +

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

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

relay_write is provided by the Mcp Ad4m MCP server (thefranceway/mcp-ad4m). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.