Low Risk

extract_citations

Extract URLs, paper refs, DOIs, arXiv ids, and statistics from text

Part of the Citation Verifier server.

extract_citations is read-only, but an agent in a loop can still rack up calls and cost. PolicyLayer caps every call before it runs. Live in minutes.

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AI agents call extract_citations to retrieve information from Citation Verifier 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.

Even though extract_citations 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.

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

policy.json
{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "extract_citations": {}
  }
}

See the full Citation Verifier policy for all 3 tools.

Get this rule live on your own Citation Verifier server in minutes. PolicyLayer enforces it on every call, before it runs.

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These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access extract_citations gives an agent. Each links to the full case and the policy that stops it:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

Every attack above starts with a tool call. PolicyLayer checks each one against your policy first, so extract_citations only ever does what you allow.

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Other read tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: allow, with a rate cap to control cost.

What does the extract_citations tool do? +

Extract URLs, paper refs, DOIs, arXiv ids, and statistics from text. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Citation Verifier MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on extract_citations? +

Register the Citation Verifier MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for extract_citations: 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 Citation Verifier. Nothing to install.

What risk level is extract_citations? +

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

Can I rate-limit extract_citations? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the extract_citations 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.

How do I block extract_citations completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for extract_citations. 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 extract_citations? +

extract_citations is provided by the Citation Verifier MCP server (https://api.lazy-mac.com/citation-verifier/mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Citation Verifier tool call.

Deterministic rules across all 3 Citation Verifier tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.

Free to start. No card required.

4,600+ MCP servers and 31,000+ tools scanned and risk-classified.

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