download_paper · ArXiv MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What download_paper does on ArXiv MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why download_paper needs a policy

This tool downloads a paper and creates a new resource (likely a file or database entry). It is a Write operation because it creates new data/resources on the local system. It is reversible in the sense that the created resource can be deleted. Severity is medium because an AI agent could fill up storage by downloading many papers, but there is no direct data destruction or financial impact.

From the tool's definition Download a paper and create a resource for it

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

download_paper Rate-limited

download_paper 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": {
    "download_paper": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "download_paper_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 ArXiv MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about download_paper

What does the download_paper tool do? +

Download a paper and create a resource for it. It is categorised as a Write tool in the ArXiv 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 download_paper? +

Register the ArXiv MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for download_paper: 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 ArXiv MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is download_paper? +

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

Can I rate-limit download_paper? +

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

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

download_paper is provided by the ArXiv MCP Server MCP server (wr-web/apr). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.