Search code using complex AST rules with relational (inside, has, precedes, follows) and composite (all, any, not) operators
AI agents call search_ast_rule to retrieve information from Code Search MCP without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This is a code analysis tool that searches and queries the AST (Abstract Syntax Tree) of code using pattern matching rules. It retrieves information about code structure but does not execute code, modify files, delete data, or trigger external operations. The relational and composite operators are used for sophisticated querying, not for making changes.
From the tool's definition Tool performs 'Search code using complex AST rules' with query operators (inside, has, precedes, follows, all, any, not).
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Search code using complex AST rules with relational (inside, has, precedes, follows) and composite (all, any, not) operators. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Code Search MCP MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Code Search MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for search_ast_rule: 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 Code Search MCP. Nothing to install.
search_ast_rule 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 search_ast_rule 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 search_ast_rule. 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.
search_ast_rule is provided by the Code Search MCP server (llmtooling/code-search-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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