convert_and_index · Literature Agent MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What convert_and_index does on Literature Agent

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why convert_and_index needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies data (converting documents into indexed text/notes) but does not delete or irreversibly destroy data, nor does it execute arbitrary code or move funds. The modifications are reversible (indices can be rebuilt, notes regenerated).

From the tool's definition Tool description states it converts PDFs/HTML to notes/text and indexes the corpus. 'Convert' and 'index' involve creating new data structures (notes, indexed corpus) that modify the local knowledge base.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

convert_and_index Rate-limited

convert_and_index 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": {
    "convert_and_index": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "convert_and_index_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 Literature Agent, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about convert_and_index

What does the convert_and_index tool do? +

Convert downloaded PDF/HTML to notes/text and index the corpus. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Literature Agent MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on convert_and_index? +

Register the Literature Agent MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for convert_and_index: 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 Literature Agent. Nothing to install.

What risk level is convert_and_index? +

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

Can I rate-limit convert_and_index? +

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

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

convert_and_index is provided by the Literature Agent MCP server (zouxy111/mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.