download_fulltexts · Literature Agent MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What download_fulltexts does on Literature Agent

AI agents use download_fulltexts 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 download_fulltexts needs a policy

This tool both downloads files (creating new local data) and writes a follow-up list, constituting a Write operation. It creates/modifies data on the local system but is reversible (files can be deleted). The blast radius is medium since it could download large volumes of content or write files to unexpected locations if misused.

From the tool's definition Download open-access full texts and write manual follow-up list

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

download_fulltexts Rate-limited

download_fulltexts 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_fulltexts": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "download_fulltexts_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 download_fulltexts

What does the download_fulltexts tool do? +

Download open-access full texts and write manual follow-up list. 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 download_fulltexts? +

Register the Literature Agent MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for download_fulltexts: 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 download_fulltexts? +

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

Can I rate-limit download_fulltexts? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the download_fulltexts 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_fulltexts completely? +

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

download_fulltexts 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.