get_diagnostics_code

THE RISK

Low Risk

Why get_diagnostics_code needs a policy

This tool retrieves diagnostic information (errors, warnings) from VS Code's analysis of code. It has no side effects—it does not modify files, execute commands, delete data, or trigger external operations. Despite the 'CRITICAL' framing in the description (which appears to be instructional emphasis rather than functional severity), the tool itself is purely informational and read-only.

From the tool's definition Tool analyzes code for warnings and errors, examining diagnostic information from VS Code. The description explicitly states it 'Analyzes code for warnings and errors' which is a read-only operation that retrieves diagnostic data without modifying files or…

Risk signalsBulk/mass operation — affects multiple targets

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access get_diagnostics_code gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control get_diagnostics_code

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Vscode, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for get_diagnostics_code:

policy.json

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

get_diagnostics_code is read-only, so it stays allowed — but everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

Create a free account and register Vscode — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

CAP THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

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Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Data exfiltration → How read access becomes an exfiltration channel when chained with untrusted content.
MCP token cost → What connecting this server costs in context-window tokens on every request.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about get_diagnostics_code

What does the get_diagnostics_code tool do? +

CRITICAL: Run this after EVERY series of code changes to check for errors before completing tasks. Analyzes code for warnings and errors using VS Code. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Vscode MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on get_diagnostics_code? +

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

What risk level is get_diagnostics_code? +

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

Can I rate-limit get_diagnostics_code? +

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

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

get_diagnostics_code is provided by the Vscode MCP server (juehang/vscode-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Vscode tool call.

Start from Vscode, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →