Read text content of an attached file. Works for: .txt, .md, .json, code files, and PDFs (after files.ingest extracts text). DO NOT call on binary files — for IMAGES use files.get_base64, for AUDIO/VIDEO it cannot be transcribed via this tool, and for non-PDF DOCUMENTS run files.ingest first, THE...
Part of the Dialogbrain server.
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AI agents call files_read to retrieve information from Dialogbrain 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 files_read 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": {
"files_read": {}
}
}See the full Dialogbrain policy for all 157 tools.
These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access files_read 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.
Read text content of an attached file. Works for: .txt, .md, .json, code files, and PDFs (after files.ingest extracts text). DO NOT call on binary files — for IMAGES use files.get_base64, for AUDIO/VIDEO it cannot be transcribed via this tool, and for non-PDF DOCUMENTS run files.ingest first, THEN files.read. Calling on a binary mime-type returns an error — saves you a turn to read the routing hint before deciding.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Dialogbrain MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Dialogbrain MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for files_read: 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 Dialogbrain. Nothing to install.
files_read 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 files_read 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 files_read. 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.
files_read is provided by the Dialogbrain MCP server (https://api.dialogbrain.com/mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Deterministic rules across all 157 Dialogbrain tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.
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