AI agents call list_cells to retrieve information from Ast Editor without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
The 'list_' prefix pattern is characteristic of data retrieval operations. In the context of an AST editor, 'list_cells' almost certainly enumerates existing cells (code blocks, notebook cells, etc.) without modifying state. No evidence of modification, deletion, or execution capability. Low severity due to read-only nature and limited potential for harmful misuse without additional context.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_cells' uses the 'list' verb, which is explicitly categorized as a Read operation that retrieves data without side effects. The description is empty, but the name strongly indicates a retrieval/enumeration function.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access list_cells gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Ast Editor, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for list_cells:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"list_cells": {}
}
}list_cells is read-only, so it stays allowed — but everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
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list_cells. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Ast Editor MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Ast Editor MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_cells: 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 Ast Editor. Nothing to install.
list_cells 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 list_cells 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 list_cells. 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.
list_cells is provided by the Ast Editor MCP server (kambleakash0/agent-skills). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Start from Ast Editor, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.
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59 Ast Editor tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 43,000+ MCP servers.