attach · Zotero Assistant MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What attach does on Zotero Assistant

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why attach needs a policy

The tool creates or modifies data reversibly by attaching files to Zotero items. While it writes data, it is not destructive (attachments can be removed or replaced), does not execute arbitrary code or commands, and involves no financial transactions.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it can 'Attach a file to an existing Zotero item' with support for 'PDF URLs, webpage snapshots, and base64 file content.' This is a creation/modification action that adds data to an existing item.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

attach Rate-limited

attach 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": {
    "attach": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "attach_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 Zotero Assistant, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about attach

What does the attach tool do? +

Attach a file to an existing Zotero item. Supports PDF URLs, webpage snapshots, and base64 file content. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Zotero Assistant MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on attach? +

Register the Zotero Assistant MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for attach: 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 Zotero Assistant. Nothing to install.

What risk level is attach? +

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

Can I rate-limit attach? +

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

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

attach is provided by the Zotero Assistant MCP server (upascal/zotero-assistant-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.