format-check
Checks if files are formatted and returns a structured list of files needing formatting.
This record as markdown: /tools/io-github-dave-london-cargo/format-check.md
What format-check does on Cargo
AI agents call format-check to retrieve information from Cargo without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
Why format-check is rated Low
The tool performs a read-only check operation that returns data about formatting status. It does not execute formatting changes, run arbitrary code, modify files, delete data, or commit financial transactions. The 'check' verb and 'returns' language confirm a passive information retrieval operation.
From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Checks if files are formatted and returns a structured list' — this is purely informational, querying the state of files without modifying them.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs format-check safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Cargo, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For format-check, this is the rule to start with:
format-check is read-only, so it stays allowed. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Cargo, apply this rule, and every format-check call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about format-check
Checks if files are formatted and returns a structured list of files needing formatting. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Cargo MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Cargo MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for format-check: 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 Cargo. Nothing to install.
format-check 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 format-check 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 format-check. 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.
format-check is provided by the Cargo MCP server (Dave-London/Pare). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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