Low Risk

exploit_lookup

Search public exploits/PoC for a specific CVE across three sources: (1) GitHub Advisory Database (sources.github.advisories[]), (2) Shodan CVEDB references (sources.shodan_refs.results[] — packetstorm/seclists/vendor URLs cited by Shodan; results capped at SHODAN_REFS_LIMIT default 200, truncated...

Single-target operation

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

AI agents call exploit_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 exploit_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.

contrastcyber-contrastapi.yaml
tools:
  exploit_lookup:
    rules:
      - action: allow

See the full ContrastAPI policy for all 53 tools.

Tool Name exploit_lookup
Category Read
Risk Level Low

View all 53 tools →

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

Search public exploits/PoC for a specific CVE across three sources: (1) GitHub Advisory Database (sources.github.advisories[]), (2) Shodan CVEDB references (sources.shodan_refs.results[] — packetstorm/seclists/vendor URLs cited by Shodan; results capped at SHODAN_REFS_LIMIT default 200, truncated=true when capped, count is the honest upstream total), (3) ExploitDB CSV mirror (exploits[] array, with edb_id + author + verified flag — these are the actual ExploitDB entries). Use to assess if a vulnerability has weaponized exploits in the wild; run after cve_lookup to evaluate real-world risk. When the CVE is also in CISA KEV (kev.in_kev=true on cve_lookup), pair with kev_detail for federal patch deadline; pair with cwe_lookup on cwe_id for the underlying weakness category and mitigations. Response carries next_calls — single cve_lookup pivot for full context (KEV status, CWE chain, CVSS, EPSS); cve_lookup's own next_calls then surface kev_detail and cwe_lookup automatically (this endpoint has no in_kev/cwe_id schema, so blind emission of those pivots is intentionally avoided). Free: 30/hr, Pro: 500/hr. Returns {cve_id, exploits_found, has_public_exploit, sources: {github, shodan_refs: {found, count, truncated, results}}, exploits: [{edb_id, cve_id, date_published, author, type, platform, url, verified, description}], summary, verdict, next_calls}.. 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 exploit_lookup? +

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

What risk level is exploit_lookup? +

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

Can I rate-limit exploit_lookup? +

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

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for exploit_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 exploit_lookup? +

exploit_lookup is provided by the ContrastAPI MCP server (contrastcyber/contrastapi). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Let agents act without letting them run wild.

Deterministic policy on every MCP tool call. Per-identity grants. Full audit log.

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