Low Risk

lookup_host

Look up a hostname or IP address in the URLhaus database to find associated malware URLs. Returns all known malicious URLs hosted on that host.

Risk signalsAccepts URL/endpoint input (host)

Part of the Urlhaus server.

lookup_host 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 lookup_host to retrieve information from Urlhaus 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 lookup_host 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": {
    "lookup_host": {}
  }
}

See the full Urlhaus policy for all 24 tools.

Get this rule live on your own Urlhaus 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 lookup_host 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 lookup_host 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 lookup_host tool do? +

Look up a hostname or IP address in the URLhaus database to find associated malware URLs. Returns all known malicious URLs hosted on that host.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Urlhaus MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on lookup_host? +

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

What risk level is lookup_host? +

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

Can I rate-limit lookup_host? +

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

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

lookup_host is provided by the Urlhaus MCP server (https://gateway.pipeworx.io/urlhaus/mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Urlhaus tool call.

Deterministic rules across all 24 Urlhaus tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.

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