add_observation · Memora MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_observation does on Memora

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_observation needs a policy

This tool performs reversible creation/modification of data (adding observations and potentially creating note entities). It does not delete, execute external code, move funds, or irreversibly alter data.

From the tool's definition The description explicitly states "Append an observation" and "Creates the entity (entity_type='note') if absent," indicating this tool creates or modifies data in the knowledge graph by adding new observations.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_observation Rate-limited

add_observation 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": {
    "add_observation": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_observation_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 Memora, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_observation

What does the add_observation tool do? +

Append an observation. Creates the entity (entity_type='note') if absent. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Memora MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on add_observation? +

Register the Memora MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_observation: 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 Memora. Nothing to install.

What risk level is add_observation? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_observation? +

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

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

add_observation is provided by the Memora MCP server (vnemaidev/memora). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.