search
Searches the npm registry for packages matching a query.
This record as markdown: /tools/io-github-dave-london-docker/search.md
What search does on Docker
AI agents call search 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 search is rated Low
This tool retrieves package metadata from npm without creating, modifying, or deleting any data. It is a standard search/query function that returns information only. The low severity reflects minimal risk even if misused — the worst outcome is unwanted network requests or information disclosure about publicly available packages.
From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Searches the npm registry for packages matching a query' — a read-only query operation with no side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs search 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 search, this is the rule to start with:
search 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 search call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about search
Searches the npm registry for packages matching a query. 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 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 Docker. Nothing to install.
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 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 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.
search 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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