Low Risk

fetchGithubReadme

Fetch README content from a GitHub repository URL

Accepts URL/endpoint input (url)

Part of the OpenWebSearch MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

AI agents call fetchGithubReadme to retrieve information from OpenWebSearch without modifying any data. This is common in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows where the agent needs context before taking action. Because read operations don't change state, they are generally safe to allow without restrictions -- but you may still want rate limits to control API costs.

Even though fetchGithubReadme only reads data, uncontrolled read access can leak sensitive information or rack up API costs. An agent caught in a retry loop could make thousands of calls per minute. A rate limit gives you a safety net without blocking legitimate use.

Read-only tools are safe to allow by default. No rate limit needed unless you want to control costs.

aas-ee-open-websearch.yaml
tools:
  fetchGithubReadme:
    rules:
      - action: allow

See the full OpenWebSearch policy for all 6 tools.

Tool Name fetchGithubReadme
Category Read
Risk Level Low

Agents calling read-class tools like fetchGithubReadme have been implicated in these attack patterns. Read the full case and prevention policy for each:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

Other tools in the Read risk category across the catalogue. The same policy patterns (rate-limit, allow) apply to each.

What does the fetchGithubReadme tool do? +

Fetch README content from a GitHub repository URL. It is categorised as a Read tool in the OpenWebSearch MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on fetchGithubReadme? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for fetchGithubReadme. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the OpenWebSearch MCP server.

What risk level is fetchGithubReadme? +

fetchGithubReadme is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit fetchGithubReadme? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the fetchGithubReadme rule in your Intercept 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 fetchGithubReadme completely? +

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for fetchGithubReadme. 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 fetchGithubReadme? +

fetchGithubReadme is provided by the OpenWebSearch MCP server (Aas-ee/open-websearch). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policies on OpenWebSearch

Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.

npx -y @policylayer/intercept
github.com/policylayer/intercept →
// GET IN TOUCH

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