Explain the format and top-level contents of a signed artifact without requiring a verification key.
Accepts file system path (path)
Part of the Verify MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.
AI agents call explain_artifact to retrieve information from Verify 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 explain_artifact 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.
tools:
explain_artifact:
rules:
- action: allowSee the full Verify policy for all 4 tools.
Agents calling read-class tools like explain_artifact have been implicated in these attack patterns. Read the full case and prevention policy for each:
Other tools in the Read risk category across the catalogue. The same policy patterns (rate-limit, allow) apply to each.
Explain the format and top-level contents of a signed artifact without requiring a verification key.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Verify MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for explain_artifact. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Verify MCP server.
explain_artifact 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 explain_artifact 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.
Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for explain_artifact. 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.
explain_artifact is provided by the Verify MCP server (@scopeblind/verify-mcp). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.
npx -y @policylayer/intercept