Low Risk

read_step_output

Read the full output from a previous workflow step. Use this tool when a step output was deferred as a tool reference in a prompt — you will see a block like: [Tool Reference: stepName] Size: 24.3KB | Fields: name, emails, organizations, ... To read full data: call read_step_output(executionId="....

Part of the Agentled server.

read_step_output is read-only, but an agent in a loop can still rack up calls and cost. PolicyLayer caps every call before it runs. Live in minutes.

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AI agents call read_step_output to retrieve information from Agentled 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 read_step_output 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.

policy.json
{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "read_step_output": {}
  }
}

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

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

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Other read tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: allow, with a rate cap to control cost.

What does the read_step_output tool do? +

Read the full output from a previous workflow step. Use this tool when a step output was deferred as a tool reference in a prompt — you will see a block like: [Tool Reference: stepName] Size: 24.3KB | Fields: name, emails, organizations, ... To read full data: call read_step_output(executionId="...", stepId="...") Pass the executionId and stepId shown in that block. Optionally narrow the response with 'field' (dot-notation path) or 'select' (list of top-level fields to include).. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Agentled MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on read_step_output? +

Register the Agentled MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for read_step_output: 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 Agentled. Nothing to install.

What risk level is read_step_output? +

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

Can I rate-limit read_step_output? +

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

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

read_step_output is provided by the Agentled MCP server (@agentled/mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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