scout_switch_tab · Scout MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What scout_switch_tab does on Scout

AI agents invoke scout_switch_tab to trigger actions in Scout. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why scout_switch_tab needs a policy

Switching browser tabs is a browser action that affects the state of an active browsing session. It falls under Execute as it triggers an external browser operation. While not destructive on its own, misuse could redirect agent attention to sensitive tabs or facilitate further actions on unintended pages, warranting medium severity.

From the tool's definition Switch to a browser tab by index — triggers a browser action that changes the active tab state

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

scout_switch_tab Rate-limited

scout_switch_tab stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "scout_switch_tab": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "scout_switch_tab_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Scout, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about scout_switch_tab

What does the scout_switch_tab tool do? +

Switch to a browser tab by index (from scout_tabs). It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Scout MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on scout_switch_tab? +

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

What risk level is scout_switch_tab? +

scout_switch_tab is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit scout_switch_tab? +

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

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

scout_switch_tab is provided by the Scout MCP server (lautrek/scout). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.