Get scopes for a stack frame
AI agents call get_scopes to retrieve information from Mcp Debugger without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves debugging information (variable scopes in a stack frame) for inspection purposes. It has no side effects, does not execute code, does not modify state, and does not delete or move data. It is purely informational, consistent with other 'get_*' tools on the server. The blast radius of misuse is minimal—an AI agent could only read debugging state that is already exposed in the session context.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'get_scopes' and description 'Get scopes for a stack frame' indicate a retrieval operation that queries debugging state without modifying it.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Get scopes for a stack frame. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Mcp Debugger MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Mcp Debugger MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for get_scopes: 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 Mcp Debugger. Nothing to install.
get_scopes 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 get_scopes 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 get_scopes. 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.
get_scopes is provided by the Mcp Debugger MCP server (@debugmcp/mcp-debugger). 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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