Low Risk

search_nodes

Search for diagram nodes by keyword across all providers and services. For targeted browsing when you know the provider, use list_providers -> list_services -> list_nodes instead. Args: query: Search term (case-insensitive substring match). Returns: List of matching nodes with keys: node, provide...

Risk signalsAccepts freeform code/query input (query)

Part of the Diagrams MCP server.

search_nodes 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 search_nodes to retrieve information from Diagrams MCP 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 search_nodes 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": {
    "search_nodes": {}
  }
}

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These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access search_nodes 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 search_nodes 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 search_nodes tool do? +

Search for diagram nodes by keyword across all providers and services. For targeted browsing when you know the provider, use list_providers -> list_services -> list_nodes instead. Args: query: Search term (case-insensitive substring match). Returns: List of matching nodes with keys: node, provider, service, import, alias_of (optional). Sorted by relevance: exact match first, then prefix, then substring.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Diagrams MCP MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on search_nodes? +

Register the Diagrams MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for search_nodes: 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 Diagrams MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is search_nodes? +

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

Can I rate-limit search_nodes? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the search_nodes 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 search_nodes completely? +

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

search_nodes is provided by the Diagrams MCP server (pypi:diagrams-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Diagrams MCP tool call.

Deterministic rules across all 9 Diagrams MCP tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.

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