search_documentation
Search across AWS documentation and API references
Part of the AWS MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.
WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL
AI agents call search_documentation to retrieve information from AWS 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.
WHY ENFORCE A POLICY ON SEARCH_DOCUMENTATION
Even though search_documentation 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.
RECOMMENDED POLICY
Read-only tools are safe to allow by default. No rate limit needed unless you want to control costs.
tools:
search_documentation:
rules:
- action: allow See the full AWS policy for all 55 tools.
DETAILS
MORE AWS TOOLS
describe_log_groups Read get_active_alarms Read get_alarm_history Read get_bestpractices Read get_cdk_best_practices Read get_cloudwatch_logs Read get_cloudwatch_metrics Read get_eks_vpc_config Read SIMILAR READ TOOLS ON OTHER SERVERS
list_bases Airtable list_tables Airtable list_records Airtable get_record Airtable search_records Airtable search Amplitude RELATED READING
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does the search_documentation tool do?
Search across AWS documentation and API references. It is categorised as a Read tool in the AWS MCP Servers, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
How do I enforce a policy on search_documentation?
Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for search_documentation. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the AWS MCP server.
What risk level is search_documentation?
search_documentation is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Can I rate-limit search_documentation?
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the search_documentation 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 search_documentation completely?
Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for search_documentation. 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 search_documentation?
search_documentation is provided by the AWS MCP server (awslabs/mcp). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
ENFORCE POLICIES ON AWS
Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.