cortex_code_read

Read raw source code from an indexed repository. Returns full file content or a line range. Use after cortex_code_search to view complete files. Requires the project to be cloned via Code Indexing.

ServerCortex Hub
CategoryRead

How to control cortex_code_read ↓

WHAT IT DOES

What cortex_code_read does on Cortex Hub

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

THE RISK

Low Risk

Why cortex_code_read needs a policy

This tool retrieves and queries source code content from an indexed repository with no side effects. It is explicitly designed to view file contents after search results, analogous to a file read or fetch operation. There is no capability to modify, delete, or execute code—only to display it.

From the tool's definition Tool description states "Read raw source code" and "Returns full file content or a line range." The verb "read" and the passive retrieval nature (no modification, deletion, or execution) clearly indicate a read operation.

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access cortex_code_read gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control cortex_code_read

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Cortex Hub, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for cortex_code_read:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "cortex_code_read": {}
  }
}

cortex_code_read is read-only, so it stays allowed — but everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

Create a free account and register Cortex Hub — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

CAP THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

More Cortex Hub tools

Execute cortex_code_reindex Trigger re-indexing of a project after code changes. Looks up the project by repo URL and Execute cortex_cypher Run Cypher queries directly against the GitNexus knowledge graph. Supports MATCH, RETURN, Write cortex_session_start Start a new execution session with optional agent identity metadata. Write cortex_knowledge_store Store a knowledge document in the Cortex knowledge base. Auto-chunks and embeds the conten Write cortex_memory_store Store a memory for an AI agent. Memories persist across sessions and can be recalled by se Write cortex_session_end Close a session with a summary of work done. Reports session duration and compliance. Write cortex_task_accept Accept an assigned task, signaling that work will begin. Updates task status to accepted. Write cortex_task_create Create a task and optionally assign it to another agent. Use for delegating work, tracking

All 25 Cortex Hub tools →

Read tools on other servers

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Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Data exfiltration → How read access becomes an exfiltration channel when chained with untrusted content.
MCP token cost → What connecting this server costs in context-window tokens on every request.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about cortex_code_read

What does the cortex_code_read tool do? +

Read raw source code from an indexed repository. Returns full file content or a line range. Use after cortex_code_search to view complete files. Requires the project to be cloned via Code Indexing. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Cortex Hub MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on cortex_code_read? +

Register the Cortex Hub MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for cortex_code_read: 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 Cortex Hub. Nothing to install.

What risk level is cortex_code_read? +

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

Can I rate-limit cortex_code_read? +

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

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

cortex_code_read is provided by the Cortex Hub MCP server (lktiep/cortex-hub). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Cortex Hub tool call.

Start from Cortex Hub, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →

Free to start. No card required.

25 Cortex Hub tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 43,000+ MCP servers.