binary_read
Read bounded bytes from disk by zero-based byte offset; never read an editor buffer.
This record as markdown: /tools/010-editor-mcp/binary-read.md
What binary_read does on 010 Editor
AI agents call binary_read to retrieve information from 010 Editor without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
Why binary_read is rated Low
Even though binary_read only reads data, uncontrolled read access leaks sensitive information and racks up API costs: an agent caught in a retry loop can make thousands of calls a minute without anyone noticing.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs binary_read safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and 010 Editor, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For binary_read, this is the rule to start with:
binary_read is read-only, so it stays allowed. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect 010 Editor, apply this rule, and every binary_read call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about binary_read
Read bounded bytes from disk by zero-based byte offset; never read an editor buffer. It is categorised as a Read tool in the 010 Editor MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the 010 Editor MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for binary_read: 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 010 Editor. Nothing to install.
binary_read 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 binary_read 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 binary_read. 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.
binary_read is provided by the 010 Editor MCP server (AuroraAeon/010-editor-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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