Returns information about a block by block number
AI agents call eth_getBlockByNumber to retrieve information from EVM MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool performs a read-only query of historical block data from the blockchain. It retrieves information (block header, transactions, etc.) without executing transactions, modifying state, or affecting any assets. The operation is non-destructive and has no side effects, making it a straightforward Read category tool with low severity.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'eth_getBlockByNumber' and description 'Returns information about a block by block number' indicate a query operation that retrieves blockchain data without modifying state.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Returns information about a block by block number. It is categorised as a Read tool in the EVM MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the EVM MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for eth_getBlockByNumber: 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 EVM MCP Server. Nothing to install.
eth_getBlockByNumber 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 eth_getBlockByNumber 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 eth_getBlockByNumber. 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.
eth_getBlockByNumber is provided by the EVM MCP Server MCP server (jamesanz/evm-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
eth_getBlockByNumber is one line of EVM MCP Server's registry record.
The record carries the whole server: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, every tool classified, recommended policy — re-checked continuously.
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