AI agents call perf_stat to retrieve information from Yaver without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
args | array | — | |
binary | string | Yes | |
events | string | — | Events to measure (e.g. cache-misses,instructions,cycles) |
Parameters from the server's own tool schema.
Even though perf_stat only reads data, uncontrolled read access leaks sensitive information and racks up API costs — an agent caught in a retry loop can make thousands of calls a minute without anyone noticing.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Collect performance counters using Linux perf. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Yaver MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
perf_stat accepts 3 parameters: args, binary, events. Required: binary. The full parameter table on this page comes from the server's own tool schema.
Register the Yaver MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for perf_stat: 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 Yaver. Nothing to install.
perf_stat 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 perf_stat 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 perf_stat. 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.
perf_stat is provided by the Yaver MCP server (yaver-cli). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.