AI agents call get_trash_items to retrieve information from Zotero without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool only reads and returns items currently in the Zotero trash. It does not delete, restore, or modify anything. The description explicitly notes that restoration or permanent deletion must be done from the Zotero client, confirming this tool is read-only.
From the tool's definition 'Get items that have been moved to trash' - retrieves/queries data with no side effects
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Get items that have been moved to trash. Items in trash can be restored or permanently deleted from Zotero client. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Zotero MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Zotero MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for get_trash_items: 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. Nothing to install.
get_trash_items is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the get_trash_items 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for get_trash_items. 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.
get_trash_items is provided by the Zotero MCP server (xbghc/zotero-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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