AI-powered semantic search using embeddings. Finds conceptually related content even without exact keyword matches. Combine with keyword search (search_library, search_fulltext) for comprehensive results.
AI agents call semantic_search to retrieve information from Zotero Agent without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves and queries data from Zotero's research library based on semantic similarity. It is purely informational with no capability to modify, delete, or execute operations. The blast radius of misuse is minimal—a compromised agent could retrieve unwanted research items but cannot alter the library, execute commands, or cause irreversible damage.
From the tool's definition Tool performs semantic search with embeddings to find 'conceptually related content' without side effects or modifications. Description explicitly positions it as a search capability ('AI-powered semantic search', 'Finds conceptually related content').
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
AI-powered semantic search using embeddings. Finds conceptually related content even without exact keyword matches. Combine with keyword search (search_library, search_fulltext) for comprehensive results. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Zotero Agent MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Zotero Agent MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for semantic_search: 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 Agent. Nothing to install.
semantic_search 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 semantic_search 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 semantic_search. 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.
semantic_search is provided by the Zotero Agent MCP server (psiQAQ/zotero-agent). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
semantic_search is one line of Zotero Agent's registry record.
The record carries the whole server: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, every tool classified, recommended policy — re-checked continuously.
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