browser_snapshot_search
Search for a pattern across all spans of the current page snapshot using regular expressions. Returns matches with both global line numbers (across entire snapshot) and in-span line numbers (within each span). Shows which spans contain matches for navigation. Supports regex flags like
This record as markdown: /tools/cowork-bench/browser-snapshot-search.md
What browser_snapshot_search does on Cowork Bench
AI agents call browser_snapshot_search to retrieve information from Cowork Bench without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
Why browser_snapshot_search is rated Low
This tool searches and retrieves information from a page snapshot using regex patterns. It has no side effects—it does not create, modify, delete, or execute any operations. The return of matches for navigation purposes is purely informational. This is a classic Read operation with minimal security risk.
From the tool's definition Tool performs 'Search for a pattern' and 'Returns matches' across page snapshots. No modification, deletion, or execution capabilities described. The description indicates retrieval and query operations only.
Risk signalsBulk/mass operation — affects multiple targets
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs browser_snapshot_search safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Cowork Bench, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For browser_snapshot_search, this is the rule to start with:
browser_snapshot_search is read-only, so it stays allowed. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Cowork Bench, apply this rule, and every browser_snapshot_search call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about browser_snapshot_search
Search for a pattern across all spans of the current page snapshot using regular expressions. Returns matches with both global line numbers (across entire snapshot) and in-span line numbers (within each span). Shows which spans contain matches for navigation. Supports regex flags like. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Cowork Bench MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Cowork Bench MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for browser_snapshot_search: 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 Cowork Bench. Nothing to install.
browser_snapshot_search 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 browser_snapshot_search 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 browser_snapshot_search. 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.
browser_snapshot_search is provided by the Cowork Bench MCP server (0717376/cowork_bench). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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