Read a specific range of lines from a text file. Returns only the requested lines, which is efficient for large files. Line numbers are 1-based.
AI agents call read_file_lines to retrieve information from MCP PC Control Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves data from an existing file without modification, creation, or deletion. It is a straightforward read operation that queries file contents. While the broader server has dangerous capabilities, this specific tool has minimal risk - it only accesses data without side effects. Severity is low because reading file lines has limited blast radius even if misused by an agent.
From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Read a specific range of lines from a text file. Returns only the requested lines' - core read operation with no side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Read a specific range of lines from a text file. Returns only the requested lines, which is efficient for large files. Line numbers are 1-based. It is categorised as a Read tool in the MCP PC Control Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the MCP PC Control Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for read_file_lines: 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 PC Control Server. Nothing to install.
read_file_lines 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 read_file_lines 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 read_file_lines. 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.
read_file_lines is provided by the MCP PC Control Server MCP server (koopatroopa787/first_mcp). 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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