Attempt to identify the type of cipher used.
AI agents call detect_cipher_type to retrieve information from Crypto Tools MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves or analyzes information about ciphertext (cipher type classification) without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing code. It is purely informational analysis comparable to 'get' or 'query' operations. No side effects or state changes occur. Low severity because misuse simply provides incorrect cipher identification with no impact on actual data or systems.
From the tool's definition Tool performs cipher type identification/analysis on provided data with no modification, deletion, or code execution capability. The verb 'detect' and 'identify' indicate analytical/diagnostic operations.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Attempt to identify the type of cipher used. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Crypto Tools MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Crypto Tools MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for detect_cipher_type: 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 Crypto Tools MCP Server. Nothing to install.
detect_cipher_type 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 detect_cipher_type 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 detect_cipher_type. 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.
detect_cipher_type is provided by the Crypto Tools MCP Server MCP server (marc-shade/crypto-tools-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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