Low Risk

hash_lookup

Query MalwareBazaar for file hash (MD5/SHA1/SHA256): malware family, file type, size, tags, first/last seen, download count. Use to check if file hash is known malware; use ioc_lookup for auto-detection of all IOC types. Companion malware-investigation tools: ioc_lookup (multi-source: ThreatFox +...

Part of the ContrastAPI server.

hash_lookup is read-only, but an agent in a loop can still rack up calls and cost. PolicyLayer caps every call before it runs. Live in minutes.

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AI agents call hash_lookup 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 hash_lookup 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.

policy.json
{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "hash_lookup": {}
  }
}

See the full ContrastAPI policy for all 53 tools.

Get this rule live on your own ContrastAPI server in minutes. PolicyLayer enforces it on every call, before it runs.

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These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access hash_lookup gives an agent. Each links to the full case and the policy that stops it:

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Every attack above starts with a tool call. PolicyLayer checks each one against your policy first, so hash_lookup only ever does what you allow.

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Other read tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: allow, with a rate cap to control cost.

What does the hash_lookup tool do? +

Query MalwareBazaar for file hash (MD5/SHA1/SHA256): malware family, file type, size, tags, first/last seen, download count. Use to check if file hash is known malware; use ioc_lookup for auto-detection of all IOC types. Companion malware-investigation tools: ioc_lookup (multi-source: ThreatFox + Feodo Tracker + URLhaus), threat_intel (domain-level URLhaus check), exploit_lookup (link a known CVE to PoC code if the hash maps to an exploit binary). Free: 30/hr, Pro: 500/hr. Returns {found, malware_family, file_type, file_size, tags, first_seen, last_seen, signature}.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the ContrastAPI MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on hash_lookup? +

Register the ContrastAPI MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for hash_lookup: 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.

What risk level is hash_lookup? +

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

Can I rate-limit hash_lookup? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the hash_lookup 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.

How do I block hash_lookup completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for hash_lookup. 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 hash_lookup? +

hash_lookup 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.

Enforce policy on every ContrastAPI tool call.

Deterministic rules across all 53 ContrastAPI tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.

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