simulator_get_env

Read an environment variable from the running simulator device (e.g., HOME, TMPDIR, PATH).

Part of the Preflight Ios MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

// WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL

AI agents call simulator_get_env to retrieve information from Preflight Ios 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.

// WHY ENFORCE A POLICY ON SIMULATOR_GET_ENV

Even though simulator_get_env 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.

// RECOMMENDED POLICY

Read-only tools are safe to allow by default. No rate limit needed unless you want to control costs.

io-github-ethanackerman-git-preflight-ios-mcp.yaml

tools:
  simulator_get_env:
    rules:
      - action: allow

See the full Preflight Ios policy for all 82 tools.

// DETAILS

Tool Name simulator_get_env

Category Read

MCP Server Preflight Ios MCP Server

Risk Level Low

// MORE PREFLIGHT IOS TOOLS

Destructive simulator_delete_device Destructive simulator_erase Destructive simulator_grant_permission Destructive simulator_keychain Destructive simulator_storekit_delete_transactions Destructive simulator_storekit_reset_eligibility Destructive simulator_uninstall_app Execute simulator_biometric

View all 82 tools →

// RELATED READING

// FAQ

What does the simulator_get_env tool do? +

Read an environment variable from the running simulator device (e.g., HOME, TMPDIR, PATH).. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Preflight Ios MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on simulator_get_env? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for simulator_get_env. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Preflight Ios MCP server.

What risk level is simulator_get_env? +

simulator_get_env is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit simulator_get_env? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the simulator_get_env rule in your Intercept 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.

How do I block simulator_get_env completely? +

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for simulator_get_env. 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.

What MCP server provides simulator_get_env? +

simulator_get_env is provided by the Preflight Ios MCP server (preflight-ios-mcp). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

simulator_get_env

Enforce policies on Preflight Ios