Create a new shortened URL and return only the short URL. Optionally provide a TTL or expiry date. If no slug is provided, an AI-suggested slug will be used. Use get_url or list_urls if you need the full URL record. Token savings are only realised when the slug is reused in future context; single...
AI agents use shorten_url to create or update resources in Url Shortener — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Url Shortener environment.
This tool creates new shortened URL records with optional metadata (tags, expiry). While creation is reversible (deletion tools exist), it does not execute arbitrary code, delete data, move money, or perform irreversible operations. The blast radius of misuse is limited to creation of unwanted URL mappings, which can be cleaned up.
From the tool's definition Tool description explicitly states 'Create a new shortened URL' and 'provide a TTL or expiry date', indicating reversible data creation. The presence of sibling tools 'delete_url' and 'delete_all_urls' confirms that URL creation is not permanent/irreversible.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Create a new shortened URL and return only the short URL. Optionally provide a TTL or expiry date. If no slug is provided, an AI-suggested slug will be used. Use get_url or list_urls if you need the full URL record. Token savings are only realised when the slug is reused in future context; single-use URLs cost more context than pasting the original inline. Set tag to a brief note about the URL. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Url Shortener MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the Url Shortener MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for shorten_url: 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 Url Shortener. Nothing to install.
shorten_url is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the shorten_url 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 shorten_url. 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.
shorten_url is provided by the Url Shortener MCP server (michaelshumshum/url-shortener-mcp). 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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