AI agents call get_topics to retrieve information from Engram without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves aggregated metadata (topics/tags and their session counts) from the Engram system without modifying, executing, or deleting anything. It is a straightforward data retrieval operation with no side effects, fitting the Read category.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'get_topics' and description 'Get top topics/tags from Engram with session counts' indicate a retrieval operation. The verb 'Get' and the absence of any modification, deletion, or execution keywords confirm this is a read-only query.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Get top topics/tags from Engram with session counts. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Engram MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Engram MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for get_topics: 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 Engram. Nothing to install.
get_topics is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the get_topics 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for get_topics. 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.
get_topics is provided by the Engram MCP server (tinydarkforge/engram). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
Teams ship this data inside their own products. See what a licence covers →