Cortex
Cross-platform persistent memory MCP for Codex, Gemini CLI, Claude Code, and other local MCP hosts. 36 cited neuroscience mechanisms, local-first SQLite/PostgreSQL, hybrid retrieval, decay-based consolidation, and reproducible benchmarks. Claude adds optional automatic lifecycle hooks.
No outside reports on file
Cortex reads local files; restrict its folder reach, network access, and credentials before installing.
Based on public adoption and transparency signals as of Oct 19, 2026. Our opinion, not a code audit or security guarantee.
What it can access
- Local filesReads local filesNOTED
- Command executionNo shell command runner notedLOW
- Network reachLocal or standard API callsLOW
- CredentialsNo API token requiredLOW
- Package sourcePyPI (hypermnesia-mcp)PUBLIC
Inferred from this listing’s public package details and description. Check the project’s source before installing.
Install
uvx hypermnesia-mcpAbout Cortex
Cortex is an agent skill focused on Developer tools and Data & databases: Cross-platform persistent memory MCP for Codex, Gemini CLI, Claude Code, and other local MCP hosts. 36 cited neuroscience mechanisms, local-first SQLite/PostgreSQL, hybrid retrieval, decay-based consolidation, and reproducible benchmarks. Claude adds optional automatic lifecycle hooks.
It is published on PyPI as hypermnesia-mcp and hosted on GitHub at cdeust/Cortex (75 GitHub stars). Based on its public metadata, its operational scope includes: reads local files.
Setup
These use the package this listing points to. Check the project’s own instructions before running anything.
PyPI command
uvx hypermnesia-mcpPyPI (pip) command
pip install hypermnesia-mcpWhy this grade
Signal-based grade (2/7 points): public source code. This reflects adoption and transparency, not a code review.
Popularity and upkeep
- GitHub stars
- 75
- Listing last refreshed
- 2026-10-29
These are public popularity signals, not a maintenance check. Look at the repository’s commit history and open issues.
Security reports
No reports found for this package in our research (last checked 2026-10-29).
Risks to watch for
- Local file read access: Reads local documents or database files. Point it only at the specific files needed for the task so sensitive workspace files remain out of reach.
- Dependency & version pinning: Distributed via PyPI (hypermnesia-mcp). Pin an exact release version or commit SHA rather than floating tags so upstream updates are reviewed first.
How to lower the risk
Least-privilege permissions
- Give it access only to the specific folders, accounts or projects it needs, never your whole drive or admin account.
- Use a separate, limited API key or login just for this tool so you can switch it off without affecting anything else.
Network isolation
- Run it on a work computer or sandbox account, not one holding personal or company-sensitive data.
- If your IT team can, limit which websites and services it is allowed to contact.
Monitoring
- Check its activity history or logs weekly at first, and look at what it changed or sent.
- Turn on alerts for new logins or unusual usage on any account it connects to.
Red flags to watch for
- It asks for more access than its job requires, or prompts you to paste passwords.
- It suddenly updates with new owners, or starts contacting unfamiliar websites.
Questions
How do I install Cortex?
Run uvx hypermnesia-mcp (or pip install hypermnesia-mcp) in your terminal. Full setup docs and environment variables are in github.com/cdeust/Cortex.
Are there security reports about Cortex?
No reports found for this package in our research (last checked 2026-10-29). Cortex currently holds Grade C (Moderate risk signals) based on public adoption and transparency signals. Review the permissions and source repository before granting access to local files, shell commands, or API keys.
Is Cortex actively maintained?
Cortex has 75 GitHub stars. Our directory data was last refreshed on 2026-10-29. Check recent commit activity, release tags, and open issues at github.com/cdeust/Cortex before pinning it in production.
What are alternatives to Cortex?
You can compare Cortex side by side with other SQLite, Memory skills in the Related tools section on this page, or use the Compare tool on AgentArmorHQ.
Key facts
- Type
- AI agent skill
- Publisher
- cdeust
- Source code
- github.com/cdeust/Cortex
- Install command
- pip install hypermnesia-mcp
- Est. context load
- ~97 tokens idle · ~1.6k tokens when active (on-demand skill)
- Popularity
- 75 GitHub stars
- Last updated
- 2026-10-29
- Last graded
- 2026-10-19
Community
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