Search text across a PDF and return matches with a short surrounding snippet and the page number. The query is matched as a literal substring (case-insensitive by default). Searches all pages unless a range is given.
Risk signalsAccepts file system path (filePath) · Accepts freeform code/query input (query)
Part of the Pdf Toolkit server.
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AI agents call pdf_search to retrieve information from Pdf Toolkit 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 pdf_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.
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"pdf_search": {}
}
}See the full Pdf Toolkit policy for all 22 tools.
These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access pdf_search gives an agent. Each links to the full case and the policy that stops it:
Other read tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: allow, with a rate cap to control cost.
Search text across a PDF and return matches with a short surrounding snippet and the page number. The query is matched as a literal substring (case-insensitive by default). Searches all pages unless a range is given.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Pdf Toolkit MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Pdf Toolkit MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for pdf_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 Pdf Toolkit. Nothing to install.
pdf_search is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the pdf_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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for pdf_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.
pdf_search is provided by the Pdf Toolkit MCP server (@aryanbv/pdf-toolkit-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Deterministic rules across all 22 Pdf Toolkit tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.
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