AI agents call get_positions to retrieve information from Alpaca without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves current position data from the user's trading account. The 'get_' prefix and context among query-only sibling tools indicate a read-only operation with no side effects. While the server enables trading operations, this specific tool only queries existing positions without modifying or executing any trades. The blast radius is minimal as it only exposes existing portfolio information.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'get_positions' with standard 'get' read-only prefix; sibling tools include get_account_info, get_all_assets, get_asset_info which are clearly Read operations for portfolio queries
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
get_positions. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Alpaca MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Alpaca MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for get_positions: 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 Alpaca. Nothing to install.
get_positions 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_positions 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_positions. 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_positions is provided by the Alpaca MCP server (mfoster5303-1/alpaca-mcp-server). 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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