Low Risk

kai_context

Get callers, callees, tests, and dependencies for a specific file. Use only when you need to understand call relationships before editing — not for general exploration or architecture questions.

Accepts file system path (file); Single-target operation

Part of the Kai MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

kai-mcp Read

AI agents call kai_context to retrieve information from Kai 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 kai_context 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.

kai.yaml
tools:
  kai_context:
    rules:
      - action: allow

See the full Kai policy for all 18 tools.

Tool Name kai_context
Category Read
MCP Server Kai MCP Server
Risk Level Low

View all 18 tools →

Agents calling read-class tools like kai_context have been implicated in these attack patterns. Read the full case and prevention policy for each:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

Other tools in the Read risk category across the catalogue. The same policy patterns (rate-limit, allow) apply to each.

What does the kai_context tool do? +

Get callers, callees, tests, and dependencies for a specific file. Use only when you need to understand call relationships before editing — not for general exploration or architecture questions.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Kai MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on kai_context? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for kai_context. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Kai MCP server.

What risk level is kai_context? +

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

Can I rate-limit kai_context? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the kai_context rule in your Intercept 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 kai_context completely? +

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for kai_context. 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 kai_context? +

kai_context is provided by the Kai MCP server (kai-mcp). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policies on Kai

Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.

npx -y @policylayer/intercept
github.com/policylayer/intercept →
// GET IN TOUCH

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