bulk_replace

THE RISK

Medium Risk

Why bulk_replace needs a policy

This tool performs search-and-replace operations that modify file contents. While replacements are theoretically reversible (via version control or undo), the tool itself enables write operations at scale. The bulk nature means a single invocation can modify multiple files/locations, increasing the risk of unintended modifications.

From the tool's definition 'Perform multiple search and replace operations' - directly modifies file contents through replacement operations. The description indicates this tool creates or modifies data (matches Write category).

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access bulk_replace gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control bulk_replace

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and CodeSeeker-MCP, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for bulk_replace:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "bulk_replace": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "bulk_replace_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

bulk_replace stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

Create a free account and register CodeSeeker-MCP — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

More CodeSeeker-MCP tools

Execute interactive_search Launch interactive TUI search mode (note: this starts an interactive session) Write code_refactor Refactor code structures like function names, class names, etc. Write search_and_replace Search for patterns and replace them with new text (supports dry-run mode) Read basic_search Perform a basic text search using ugrep with optional filters and formatting Read boolean_search Perform Google-like Boolean search with AND, OR, NOT operators Read check_ugrep_installation Check if ugrep is installed and get installation instructions Read code_structure_search Search for specific code structures like functions, classes and methods Read fuzzy_search Perform fuzzy search that finds approximate matches allowing character errors

All 12 CodeSeeker-MCP tools →

Write tools on other servers

M-Team MCP Server download_torrent YouTube MCP Server generate_video_title Android Forensics ADB MCP Server combine_reports 0xarchive web3_signup

Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Argument validation → Checking tool call arguments against schema and policy before they run.
Scoped token → Per-person credentials that grant a defined subset of servers and tools.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about bulk_replace

What does the bulk_replace tool do? +

Perform multiple search and replace operations in a single command. It is categorised as a Write tool in the CodeSeeker-MCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on bulk_replace? +

Register the CodeSeeker- MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for bulk_replace: 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 CodeSeeker-MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is bulk_replace? +

bulk_replace is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit bulk_replace? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the bulk_replace 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.

How do I block bulk_replace completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for bulk_replace. 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 bulk_replace? +

bulk_replace is provided by the CodeSeeker- MCP server (mixelpixx/codeseeker-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every CodeSeeker-MCP tool call.

Start from CodeSeeker-MCP, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →