Processes and transforms JSON using jq expressions. Accepts JSON from a file path or inline string. Returns the transformed result.
AI agents invoke jq to trigger actions in Http. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.
jq expressions are a small query/transformation language that can execute arbitrary logic against input data. While typically read-like, jq supports complex expressions, recursive operations, and data transformation. The tool executes user-supplied expressions, placing it in the Execute category.
From the tool's definition 'Processes and transforms JSON using jq expressions' — executes arbitrary jq expressions against JSON data
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access jq gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Http, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for jq:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"jq": {
"limits": [
{
"counter": "jq_rate",
"window": "minute",
"max": 10,
"scope": "grant"
}
]
}
}
}jq stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
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Processes and transforms JSON using jq expressions. Accepts JSON from a file path or inline string. Returns the transformed result. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Http MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.
Register the Http MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for jq: 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 Http. Nothing to install.
jq is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the jq 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 jq. 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.
jq is provided by the Http MCP server (@paretools/http). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Start from Http, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.
Free to start. No card required.
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