Low Risk

network_monitor

Monitor network requests via CDP. Workflow: start → trigger action → get(pattern: 'api'). Use INSTEAD of evaluate-based fetch interceptors (window.fetch = ..., XMLHttpRequest.prototype.open = ...) — network_monitor captures all requests including those initiated by the page itself.

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

AI agents call network_monitor to retrieve information from Chrome 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 network_monitor 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.

chrome.yaml
tools:
  network_monitor:
    rules:
      - action: allow

See the full Chrome policy for all 23 tools.

Tool Name network_monitor
Category Read
MCP Server Chrome MCP Server
Risk Level Low

View all 23 tools →

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

Monitor network requests via CDP. Workflow: start → trigger action → get(pattern: 'api'). Use INSTEAD of evaluate-based fetch interceptors (window.fetch = ..., XMLHttpRequest.prototype.open = ...) — network_monitor captures all requests including those initiated by the page itself.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Chrome MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on network_monitor? +

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

What risk level is network_monitor? +

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

Can I rate-limit network_monitor? +

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

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

network_monitor is provided by the Chrome MCP server (@silbercue/chrome). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policies on Chrome

Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.

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

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