Read and analyze files in the codebase. Supports glob patterns
AI agents call read_codebase to retrieve information from Claude Code Control MCP without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool performs read-only operations on codebase files, supporting pattern-based queries without modification, deletion, or execution capabilities. The minimal risk is appropriate for informational access to code artifacts.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'read_codebase' and description 'Read and analyze files in the codebase' explicitly indicate retrieval-only operations with no side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Read and analyze files in the codebase. Supports glob patterns. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Claude Code Control MCP MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Claude Code Control MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for read_codebase: 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 Claude Code Control MCP. Nothing to install.
read_codebase 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_codebase 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_codebase. 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_codebase is provided by the Claude Code Control MCP server (marc-shade/claude-code-control-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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