Low Risk

timespan

Set time span for trending results

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

mcp-search-server Read Risk 2/5

AI agents call timespan 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.

Even though timespan 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-search-server.yaml
tools:
  timespan:
    rules:
      - action: allow

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

Tool Name timespan
Category Read
Risk Level Low

View all 20 tools →

Agents calling read-class tools like timespan 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 timespan tool do? +

Set time span for trending results. 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 timespan? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for timespan. 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 timespan? +

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

Can I rate-limit timespan? +

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

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

timespan 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.

Enforce policies on MCP Search Server

Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.

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

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