// MCP TOOL REFERENCE

deep_researcher_start

Start AI research agent that searches and writes reports

Triggers autonomous web research

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

@exa-labs/exa-mcp-server Execute Risk 4/5

// WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL

AI agents invoke deep_researcher_start to trigger processes or run actions in Exa. Execute operations can have side effects beyond the immediate call -- triggering builds, sending notifications, or starting workflows. Rate limits and argument validation are essential to prevent runaway execution.

// WHY ENFORCE A POLICY ON DEEP_RESEARCHER_START

deep_researcher_start can trigger processes with real-world consequences. An uncontrolled agent might start dozens of builds, send mass notifications, or kick off expensive compute jobs. Intercept enforces rate limits and validates arguments to keep execution within safe bounds.

// RECOMMENDED POLICY

Execute tools trigger processes. Rate-limit and validate arguments to prevent unintended side effects.

exa.yaml

tools:
  deep_researcher_start:
    rules:
      - action: allow
        rate_limit:
          max: 10
          window: 60
        validate:
          required_args: true

See the full Exa policy for all 8 tools.

// DETAILS

Tool Name deep_researcher_start

Category Execute

MCP Server Exa MCP Server

Risk Level High

// MORE EXA TOOLS

Read company_research_exa Read crawling_exa Read deep_researcher_check Read get_code_context_exa Read people_search_exa Read web_search_advanced_exa Read web_search_exa

// WHAT CAN GO WRONG

Agents calling execute-class tools like deep_researcher_start have been implicated in these attack patterns. Read the full case and prevention policy for each:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

// OTHER EXECUTE TOOLS ACROSS MCP SERVERS

Other tools in the Execute risk category across the catalogue. The same policy patterns (rate-limit, validate) apply to each.

Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents commerce_preflight Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents execute_with_context Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents gateway_execute_approval Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents governance_360 Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents parse_governance_block_html AgentClear — API Marketplace for AI Agents call_service

// IN CONTEXT OF HIGH RISK

deep_researcher_start is one of the high-risk operations in Exa. For the full severity-focused view — only the high-risk tools with their recommended policies — see the breakdown for this server, or browse all high-risk tools across every MCP server.

// RELATED READING

// FAQ

What does the deep_researcher_start tool do? +

Start AI research agent that searches and writes reports. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Exa MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on deep_researcher_start? +

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

What risk level is deep_researcher_start? +

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

Can I rate-limit deep_researcher_start? +

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

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for deep_researcher_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 deep_researcher_start? +

deep_researcher_start is provided by the Exa MCP server (@exa-labs/exa-mcp-server). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

deep_researcher_start

Enforce policies on Exa