mode

Set search mode (web or news)

Part of the MCP Search Server MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

// WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL

AI agents call mode to retrieve information from MCP Search Server 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.

// WHY ENFORCE A POLICY ON MODE

Even though mode 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.

// RECOMMENDED POLICY

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

mcp-search-server.yaml

tools:
  mode:
    rules:
      - action: allow

See the full MCP Search Server policy for all 20 tools.

// DETAILS

Tool Name mode

Category Read

MCP Server MCP Search Server MCP Server

Risk Level Low

// MORE MCP SEARCH SERVER TOOLS

Read category Read compression_ratio Read content Read include_details Read ip_address Read lang Read limit Read max_chars

View all 20 tools →

// WHAT CAN GO WRONG

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

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

// OTHER READ TOOLS ACROSS MCP SERVERS

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

Open Library MCP Server get_author_info Open Library MCP Server get_author_photo Open Library MCP Server get_authors_by_name Open Library MCP Server get_book_by_id Open Library MCP Server get_book_by_title Open Library MCP Server get_book_cover

// RELATED READING

// FAQ

What does the mode tool do? +

Set search mode (web or news). It is categorised as a Read tool in the MCP Search Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on mode? +

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

What risk level is mode? +

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

Can I rate-limit mode? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the mode 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 mode completely? +

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

mode is provided by the MCP Search Server MCP server (mcp-search-server). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

mode

Enforce policies on MCP Search Server