Search the indexed codebase using semantic search. Find code by natural language queries or code snippets.
Part of the Mcp Codebase Index server.
Free to start. No card required.
AI agents call codebase_search to retrieve information from Mcp Codebase Index 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 codebase_search 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.
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"codebase_search": {}
}
}See the full Mcp Codebase Index policy for all 6 tools.
These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access codebase_search gives an agent. Each links to the full case and the policy that stops it:
Other read tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: allow, with a rate cap to control cost.
Search the indexed codebase using semantic search. Find code by natural language queries or code snippets.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Mcp Codebase Index MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Mcp Codebase Index MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for codebase_search: 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 Mcp Codebase Index. Nothing to install.
codebase_search 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 codebase_search 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 codebase_search. 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.
codebase_search is provided by the Mcp Codebase Index MCP server (mcp-codebase-index). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Deterministic rules across all 6 Mcp Codebase Index tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.
Free to start. No card required.
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