List browser tabs
AI agents call browser_tab_list to retrieve information from Playwright MCP without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
The tool merely enumerates open browser tabs—a read-only query operation with no side effects. While it operates in a browser automation context (Playwright), the action itself is purely informational retrieval. Severity is low because knowing which tabs are open poses minimal risk; an agent cannot cause harm by simply listing tabs.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'browser_tab_list' and description states 'List browser tabs'. This operation queries/retrieves the current state of browser tabs without modifying, deleting, or executing actions.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List browser tabs. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Playwright MCP MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Playwright MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for browser_tab_list: 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 Playwright MCP. Nothing to install.
browser_tab_list 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 browser_tab_list 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 browser_tab_list. 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.
browser_tab_list is provided by the Playwright MCP server (markbustamante77/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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