Low Risk

download_biorxiv

Download PDF of a bioRxiv paper. Args: paper_id: bioRxiv DOI. save_path: Directory to save the PDF (default: './downloads'). Returns: Path to the downloaded PDF file.

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

AI agents call download_biorxiv to retrieve information from Paper Search 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 download_biorxiv 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.

adamamer20-paper-search-mcp-openai.yaml
tools:
  download_biorxiv:
    rules:
      - action: allow

See the full Paper Search policy for all 25 tools.

Tool Name download_biorxiv
Category Read
Risk Level Low

View all 25 tools →

Agents calling read-class tools like download_biorxiv 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 download_biorxiv tool do? +

Download PDF of a bioRxiv paper. Args: paper_id: bioRxiv DOI. save_path: Directory to save the PDF (default: './downloads'). Returns: Path to the downloaded PDF file. . It is categorised as a Read tool in the Paper Search MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on download_biorxiv? +

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

What risk level is download_biorxiv? +

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

Can I rate-limit download_biorxiv? +

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

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

download_biorxiv is provided by the Paper Search MCP server (adamamer20/paper-search-mcp-openai). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policies on Paper Search

Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.

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

Have a question or want to learn more? Send us a message.

Message sent.

We'll get back to you soon.