record_host_review · Academic Figures MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What record_host_review does on Academic Figures

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why record_host_review needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies data reversibly by writing review information into a manifest. It does not execute arbitrary code, delete data irreversibly, or involve financial transactions. The blast radius is medium because incorrect or malicious review records could mislead downstream figure generation/iteration decisions, but the effect is reversible (the review record can be corrected or removed).

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Record a host-side visual review back into a persisted manifest.' The verb 'record' and phrase 'back into a persisted manifest' indicate the tool modifies existing data by storing review feedback into a persistent storage system.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

record_host_review Rate-limited

record_host_review 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": {
    "record_host_review": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "record_host_review_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 Academic Figures, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about record_host_review

What does the record_host_review tool do? +

Record a host-side visual review back into a persisted manifest. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Academic Figures MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on record_host_review? +

Register the Academic Figures MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for record_host_review: 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 Academic Figures. Nothing to install.

What risk level is record_host_review? +

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

Can I rate-limit record_host_review? +

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

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

record_host_review is provided by the Academic Figures MCP server (u9401066/academic-figures-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.