Retrieve relevant memories based on query
AI agents call retrieve_memory to retrieve information from Claude Memory MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool queries and retrieves stored memory data based on a search parameter. It has no side effects on the data—it does not create, modify, delete, or execute anything. The semantic search functionality is a standard read operation that fetches existing information from the memory store.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'retrieve_memory' and description 'Retrieve relevant memories based on query' indicate data retrieval without modification. The verb 'retrieve' and the absence of any mention of modification, deletion, or execution confirm this is a read operation.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Retrieve relevant memories based on query. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Claude Memory MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Claude Memory MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for retrieve_memory: 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 Claude Memory MCP Server. Nothing to install.
retrieve_memory 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 retrieve_memory 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 retrieve_memory. 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.
retrieve_memory is provided by the Claude Memory MCP Server MCP server (towan912/claude-memory-mcp-cf). 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 →