cheapest_valid_path
Return the cheapest valid workflow path for the stated objective.
This record as markdown: /tools/io-github-homenshum-nodebench/cheapest-valid-path.md
What cheapest_valid_path does on Nodebench
AI agents call cheapest_valid_path to retrieve information from Nodebench without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
Why cheapest_valid_path is rated Low
This tool appears to query or analyze workflow paths to identify the most cost-efficient option. It does not execute workflows, modify system state, delete data, or commit financial obligations—it merely computes and returns information. The 'cheapest' qualifier refers to workflow optimization metrics rather than actual monetary transactions.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'cheapest_valid_path' and description 'Return the cheapest valid workflow path for the stated objective' indicate a query/analysis operation that retrieves or computes a path recommendation.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs cheapest_valid_path safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Nodebench, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For cheapest_valid_path, this is the rule to start with:
cheapest_valid_path 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 Nodebench, apply this rule, and every cheapest_valid_path call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about cheapest_valid_path
Return the cheapest valid workflow path for the stated objective. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Nodebench MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Nodebench MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for cheapest_valid_path: 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 Nodebench. Nothing to install.
cheapest_valid_path 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 cheapest_valid_path 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 cheapest_valid_path. 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.
cheapest_valid_path is provided by the Nodebench MCP server (nodebench-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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