Audit project dependencies (npm/PyPI/Maven/RubyGems/etc.) against CVE database: find known vulnerabilities in your package list. Bulk query up to 50 packages per call (same for Free and Pro). Use for dependency security scanning; use cve_lookup for single CVE. Free: 30/hr (1 per package), Pro: 50...
Part of the ContrastAPI server.
Free to start. No card required.
AI agents call check_dependencies to retrieve information from ContrastAPI 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_dependencies 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_dependencies": {}
}
}See the full ContrastAPI policy for all 53 tools.
These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access check_dependencies 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.
Audit project dependencies (npm/PyPI/Maven/RubyGems/etc.) against CVE database: find known vulnerabilities in your package list. Bulk query up to 50 packages per call (same for Free and Pro). Use for dependency security scanning; use cve_lookup for single CVE. Free: 30/hr (1 per package), Pro: 500/hr. Returns {findings, total, by_severity, summary}. Each finding includes fixed_in (first patched version per NVD/MITRE version range) when a version range matched — omitted from wire when the range is open-ended or no input version was supplied; remediation copy then says 'Check if ... is affected ... and upgrade if so' instead of 'Upgrade to X.Y.Z or later'.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the ContrastAPI MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the ContrastAPI MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for check_dependencies: 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 ContrastAPI. Nothing to install.
check_dependencies 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_dependencies 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_dependencies. 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_dependencies is provided by the ContrastAPI MCP server (https://api.contrastcyber.com/mcp/). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Deterministic rules across all 53 ContrastAPI 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.