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-docker/format-check.md
What format-check does on Docker
AI agents call format-check to retrieve information from Docker 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
This tool performs inspection and reporting only—it checks formatting status and returns results but does not execute formatting changes, create files, delete data, or trigger external operations with side effects. It is purely informational/querying in nature, fitting the Read category.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'format-check' and description 'Checks if files are formatted and returns a structured list of files needing formatting' indicates a read-only operation that inspects and reports on file formatting status without modifying files.
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 Docker, 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 Docker, 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 Docker MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Docker 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 Docker. 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 Docker MCP server (@paretools/docker). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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