Search for terms in the NBO ontology. This tool searches the NBO ontology for terms matching the query string. Use this to find standardized behavioral terms for annotation. Args: query: Search query (term or partial term to search for) limit: Maximum number of results to return (default: 10) Ret...
Part of the Neuro server.
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AI agents call search_nbo_terms to retrieve information from Neuro 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 search_nbo_terms 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": {
"search_nbo_terms": {}
}
}See the full Neuro policy for all 34 tools.
These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access search_nbo_terms 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 for terms in the NBO ontology. This tool searches the NBO ontology for terms matching the query string. Use this to find standardized behavioral terms for annotation. Args: query: Search query (term or partial term to search for) limit: Maximum number of results to return (default: 10) Returns: List of matching terms with their identifiers and descriptions Examples: - search_nbo_terms('locomotion') - search_nbo_terms('feeding', limit=5) - search_nbo_terms('anxiety'). It is categorised as a Read tool in the Neuro MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Neuro MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for search_nbo_terms: 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 Neuro. Nothing to install.
search_nbo_terms 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 search_nbo_terms 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 search_nbo_terms. 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.
search_nbo_terms is provided by the Neuro MCP server (@brain-bbqs/neuro-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Deterministic rules across all 34 Neuro tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.
Free to start. No card required.
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