readFile

Read a file from the sandbox

Server SMART-E2B leghis/smart-e2b
Category Read
Risk class Low
Parameters 00 required

What readFile does on SMART-E2B

AI agents call readFile to retrieve information from SMART-E2B without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.

Why readFile needs a policy

This tool retrieves file data from an isolated sandbox environment without any side effects. It does not create, modify, delete, or execute anything. The sandbox isolation further limits risk even if an agent reads unintended files. Severity is low because the blast radius is limited to information disclosure within a controlled, temporary environment.

From the tool's definition Tool name and description: 'Read a file from the sandbox' — directly indicates retrieval of file contents with no modification or deletion.

Questions about readFile

What does the readFile tool do? +

Read a file from the sandbox. It is categorised as a Read tool in the SMART-E2B MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on readFile? +

Register the SMART-E2B MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for readFile: 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 SMART-E2B. Nothing to install.

What risk level is readFile? +

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

Can I rate-limit readFile? +

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

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

readFile is provided by the SMART-E2B MCP server (leghis/smart-e2b). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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