read_coils
A read tool on the Pypi:labmcp Alicat MCP server.
This record as markdown: /tools/lab-instrument-mcps/read-coils.md
What read_coils does on Pypi:labmcp Alicat
AI agents call read_coils to retrieve information from Pypi:labmcp Alicat without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
Why read_coils is rated Low
The tool name 'read_coils' clearly indicates a retrieval operation with no side effects. Modbus coil reads are non-destructive queries that retrieve the current state of digital registers. Despite an empty description, the name is unambiguous and the context of a Modbus server confirms this is a standard read operation.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'read_coils' indicates a read operation on Modbus coils. Modbus coil addresses are digital outputs/inputs (boolean values).
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs read_coils safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Pypi:labmcp Alicat, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For read_coils, this is the rule to start with:
read_coils is read-only, so it stays allowed. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Pypi:labmcp Alicat, apply this rule, and every read_coils call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about read_coils
read_coils is a read tool on the Pypi:labmcp Alicat MCP server. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Pypi:labmcp Alicat MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Pypi:labmcp Alicat MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for read_coils: 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 Pypi:labmcp Alicat. Nothing to install.
read_coils 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_coils 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_coils. 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_coils is provided by the Pypi:labmcp Alicat MCP server (pypi:labmcp-alicat). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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