Low Risk

context_search

Full-text search across all context files. Searches titles, content, and tags. Returns matching entries sorted by priority and recency.

Part of the Mcp Context server.

context_search 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 context_search to retrieve information from Mcp Context 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 context_search 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": {
    "context_search": {}
  }
}

See the full Mcp Context policy for all 7 tools.

Get this rule live on your own Mcp Context server in minutes. PolicyLayer enforces it on every call, before it runs.

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These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access context_search 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 context_search 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 context_search tool do? +

Full-text search across all context files. Searches titles, content, and tags. Returns matching entries sorted by priority and recency.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Mcp Context MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on context_search? +

Register the Mcp Context MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for context_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 Mcp Context. Nothing to install.

What risk level is context_search? +

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

Can I rate-limit context_search? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the context_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.

How do I block context_search completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for context_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.

What MCP server provides context_search? +

context_search is provided by the Mcp Context MCP server (mcp-context-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Mcp Context tool call.

Deterministic rules across all 7 Mcp Context tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.

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

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