browser_trace_start

Start a lightweight browser trace for diagnostics

SERVERCoWork OS SOURCECoWork-OS/CoWork-OS

High RISK CLASS

Category Execute

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Rate-limitedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/cowork-os/browser-trace-start.md

WHAT IT DOES

What browser_trace_start does on CoWork OS

AI agents invoke browser_trace_start to trigger actions in CoWork OS. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call: builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

RISK

Why browser_trace_start is rated High

Browser tracing is an execute operation that triggers an external system to begin capturing diagnostic data. While not destructive or write-heavy in the traditional sense, it initiates an active process whose full effects depend on runtime context and what trace data is captured and where it flows. This represents code/process execution that depends on subsequent arguments and context.

From the tool's definition Tool performs 'Start a lightweight browser trace' which executes diagnostic operations with external side effects (browser instrumentation, tracing, potential data collection).

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs browser_trace_start safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and CoWork OS, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For browser_trace_start, this is the rule to start with:

browser_trace_start Rate-limited

browser_trace_start stays usable, but rate-capped: a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "browser_trace_start": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "browser_trace_start_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect CoWork OS, apply this rule, and every browser_trace_start call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about browser_trace_start

What does the browser_trace_start tool do? +

Start a lightweight browser trace for diagnostics. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the CoWork OS MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on browser_trace_start? +

Register the CoWork OS MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for browser_trace_start: 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 OS. Nothing to install.

What risk level is browser_trace_start? +

browser_trace_start is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit browser_trace_start? +

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

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

browser_trace_start is provided by the CoWork OS MCP server (CoWork-OS/CoWork-OS). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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