read_file

Read a file from the virtual filesystem (worker mock)

SERVERClaude Flow SOURCEclaude-flow

Low RISK CLASS

Category Read

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Allowedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/io-github-ruvnet-claude-flow/read-file.md

WHAT IT DOES

What read_file does on Claude Flow

AI agents call read_file to retrieve information from Claude Flow without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.

RISK

Why read_file is rated Low

This tool retrieves file contents without side effects. It performs a read-only operation on a virtual filesystem mock, posing minimal risk even if misused by an AI agent—it cannot modify, delete, or execute anything.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'read_file' and description states 'Read a file from the virtual filesystem (worker mock)'. The verb 'read' and absence of modification language clearly indicate data retrieval only.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs read_file safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Claude Flow, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For read_file, this is the rule to start with:

read_file Allowed

read_file is read-only, so it stays allowed. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "read_file": {}
  }
}

ALLOW ONLY THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Claude Flow, apply this rule, and every read_file call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about read_file

What does the read_file tool do? +

Read a file from the virtual filesystem (worker mock). It is categorised as a Read tool in the Claude Flow MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on read_file? +

Register the Claude Flow MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for read_file: 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 Claude Flow. Nothing to install.

What risk level is read_file? +

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

Can I rate-limit read_file? +

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

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

read_file is provided by the Claude Flow MCP server (claude-flow). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

KEEP EXPLORING

More on Claude Flow, and thousands of servers like it.

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Across the catalogue

claude_read_file on Claude Bridge → The MCP Attack Database →

Guides

Roll out MCP under one policy →Data exfiltration →MCP token cost →