High Risk →

start_research

Start a new research session on a topic. Runs keywords, SERP analysis, content gaps, evidence, and AI visibility in parallel. Returns immediately \u2014 use get_job_status to check progress, then get_research to see results.

Part of the Frase SEO server.

start_research can trigger actions in Frase SEO, with no limits today. PolicyLayer puts allow, deny, and rate-limit rules on every call. Live in minutes.

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AI agents invoke start_research to trigger processes or run actions in Frase SEO. 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.

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

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

policy.json
{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "start_research": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "start_research_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

See the full Frase SEO policy for all 151 tools.

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These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access start_research gives an agent. Each links to the full case and the policy that stops it:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

Every attack above starts with a tool call. PolicyLayer checks each one against your policy first, so start_research only ever does what you allow.

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Other execute tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: rate-limit and validate the arguments.

What does the start_research tool do? +

Start a new research session on a topic. Runs keywords, SERP analysis, content gaps, evidence, and AI visibility in parallel. Returns immediately \u2014 use get_job_status to check progress, then get_research to see results.. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Frase SEO MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on start_research? +

Register the Frase SEO MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for start_research: 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 Frase SEO. Nothing to install.

What risk level is start_research? +

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

Can I rate-limit start_research? +

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

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

start_research is provided by the Frase SEO MCP server (frase-io/newfrase). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Frase SEO tool call.

Deterministic rules across all 151 Frase SEO tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.

Free to start. No card required.

4,600+ MCP servers and 31,000+ tools scanned and risk-classified.

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