Security check — scan a directory for exposed API tokens and hardcoded secrets only. Returns pass/fail with a list of any exposed credentials found. Use this before committing code or in CI pipelines.
Risk signalsAccepts file system path (directory)
Part of the AI Scanner server.
Free to start. No card required.
AI agents call check_secrets to retrieve information from AI Scanner 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 check_secrets 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.
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"check_secrets": {}
}
}See the full AI Scanner policy for all 3 tools.
These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access check_secrets gives an agent. Each links to the full case and the policy that stops it:
Other read tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: allow, with a rate cap to control cost.
Security check — scan a directory for exposed API tokens and hardcoded secrets only. Returns pass/fail with a list of any exposed credentials found. Use this before committing code or in CI pipelines.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the AI Scanner MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the AI Scanner MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for check_secrets: 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 AI Scanner. Nothing to install.
check_secrets 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 check_secrets 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 check_secrets. 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.
check_secrets is provided by the AI Scanner MCP server (ai-scanner-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Deterministic rules across all 3 AI Scanner tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.
Free to start. No card required.
4,600+ MCP servers and 31,000+ tools scanned and risk-classified.