Search for a regex pattern across files in your workspace using ripgrep. Returns structured results grouped by file with line numbers and context. Supports glob filtering, case sensitivity control, and context lines. Much faster than running grep via workspace_exec.
Risk signalsAccepts file system path (path)
Part of the ArcAgent MCP server.
Free to start. No card required.
AI agents call workspace_grep to retrieve information from ArcAgent MCP 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 workspace_grep 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": {
"workspace_grep": {}
}
}See the full ArcAgent MCP policy for all 45 tools.
These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access workspace_grep 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.
Search for a regex pattern across files in your workspace using ripgrep. Returns structured results grouped by file with line numbers and context. Supports glob filtering, case sensitivity control, and context lines. Much faster than running grep via workspace_exec.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the ArcAgent MCP MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the ArcAgent MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for workspace_grep: 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 ArcAgent MCP. Nothing to install.
workspace_grep 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 workspace_grep 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 workspace_grep. 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.
workspace_grep is provided by the ArcAgent MCP server (araujota/arcagent). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Deterministic rules across all 45 ArcAgent MCP 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.