Low Risk

lookup_skill

Look up a specific SDK skill by ID or search by keyword. Returns full skill content for ID lookup, or matching skill metadata for keyword search.

Accepts freeform code/query input (query); Single-target operation

Part of the Mcp App Extension MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

AI agents call lookup_skill to retrieve information from Mcp App Extension without modifying any data. This is common in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows where the agent needs context before taking action. Because read operations don't change state, they are generally safe to allow without restrictions -- but you may still want rate limits to control API costs.

Even though lookup_skill only reads data, uncontrolled read access can leak sensitive information or rack up API costs. An agent caught in a retry loop could make thousands of calls per minute. A rate limit gives you a safety net without blocking legitimate use.

Read-only tools are safe to allow by default. No rate limit needed unless you want to control costs.

mcp-app-extension.yaml
tools:
  lookup_skill:
    rules:
      - action: allow

See the full Mcp App Extension policy for all 8 tools.

Tool Name lookup_skill
Category Read
Risk Level Low

Agents calling read-class tools like lookup_skill have been implicated in these attack patterns. Read the full case and prevention policy for each:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

Other tools in the Read risk category across the catalogue. The same policy patterns (rate-limit, allow) apply to each.

What does the lookup_skill tool do? +

Look up a specific SDK skill by ID or search by keyword. Returns full skill content for ID lookup, or matching skill metadata for keyword search.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Mcp App Extension MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on lookup_skill? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for lookup_skill. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Mcp App Extension MCP server.

What risk level is lookup_skill? +

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

Can I rate-limit lookup_skill? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the lookup_skill rule in your Intercept 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 lookup_skill completely? +

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for lookup_skill. 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 lookup_skill? +

lookup_skill is provided by the Mcp App Extension MCP server (@stackable-labs/mcp-app-extension). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policies on Mcp App Extension

Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.

npx -y @policylayer/intercept
github.com/policylayer/intercept →
// GET IN TOUCH

Have a question or want to learn more? Send us a message.

Message sent.

We'll get back to you soon.