add_short_term_memory · Memory MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_short_term_memory does on Memory MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_short_term_memory needs a policy

This tool creates and stores new data (short-term memory entries) in a reversible manner. It does not execute external commands, delete data irreversibly, or move money. It is a straightforward Write operation. Severity is low because misuse would only result in unwanted conversation context being stored, which can be remediated through deletion or cleanup operations, with minimal blast radius.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it will 'Add a new short-term memory entry', which is a create/write operation that modifies the memory store by adding data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_short_term_memory Rate-limited

add_short_term_memory 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_short_term_memory": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_short_term_memory_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 Memory MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_short_term_memory

What does the add_short_term_memory tool do? +

Add a new short-term memory entry from recent conversation messages. The memory will be indexed by keywords and scored based on relevance over time. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Memory MCP Server 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_short_term_memory? +

Register the Memory MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_short_term_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 Memory MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is add_short_term_memory? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_short_term_memory? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the add_short_term_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.

How do I block add_short_term_memory completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for add_short_term_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.

What MCP server provides add_short_term_memory? +

add_short_term_memory is provided by the Memory MCP Server MCP server (win10ogod/memory-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.