smart_duplicate · Melo MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What smart_duplicate does on Melo

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why smart_duplicate needs a policy

This tool creates new instances by duplicating an existing one, which is a reversible write operation. It produces new named copies laid out in a grid pattern. Misuse could clutter the scene with many duplicate objects, but the operation is reversible (copies can be deleted). Severity is medium due to potential bulk creation (multiple copies at once) that could be disruptive if count is large.

From the tool's definition Duplicate with intelligent positioning — auto-names and spaces copies in a grid

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

smart_duplicate Rate-limited

smart_duplicate 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": {
    "smart_duplicate": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "smart_duplicate_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 Melo, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about smart_duplicate

What does the smart_duplicate tool do? +

Duplicate with intelligent positioning — auto-names and spaces copies in a grid. Args: - path (string): Instance to duplicate - count (number): Number of copies - layout (string, optional):. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Melo MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on smart_duplicate? +

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

What risk level is smart_duplicate? +

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

Can I rate-limit smart_duplicate? +

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

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

smart_duplicate is provided by the Melo MCP server (yannyhl/linkedsword-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.