Convert timestamp to formatted datetime string (YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS)
AI agents call format_time to retrieve information from MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves and reformats time data without modifying, deleting, or executing anything. It is a simple utility function that converts input to output. The blast radius of misuse is negligible - an AI agent could at worst format timestamps incorrectly, causing no harm to systems or data.
From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Convert timestamp to formatted datetime string' - a pure transformation operation with no side effects, data modification, or external state changes.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Convert timestamp to formatted datetime string (YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS). It is categorised as a Read tool in the MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for format_time: 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 MCP Server. Nothing to install.
format_time 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 format_time 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 format_time. 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.
format_time is provided by the MCP Server MCP server (jorben/mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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