List open tabs in a browser or terminal. Returns index, title, and URL (browsers only). Supported: ${SUPPORTED_TAB_APPS.join(
AI agents call list_tabs to retrieve information from Mcp Desktop without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool performs information retrieval only—it lists existing browser/terminal tabs and their metadata without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing any operations. While running on a desktop automation platform, list_tabs itself is a read-only query operation with minimal security blast radius. An agent misusing it could gather information about user activity but cannot perform actions or cause harm.
From the tool's definition Tool 'list_tabs' retrieves and queries open tabs in browsers or terminals, returning index, title, and URL. The description explicitly states it 'List[s] open tabs' with no modification or side effects mentioned.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List open tabs in a browser or terminal. Returns index, title, and URL (browsers only). Supported: ${SUPPORTED_TAB_APPS.join(. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Mcp Desktop MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Mcp Desktop MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_tabs: 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 Mcp Desktop. Nothing to install.
list_tabs 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 list_tabs 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 list_tabs. 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.
list_tabs is provided by the Mcp Desktop MCP server (mocha06/mcp-desktop). 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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