maps_distance_matrix

THE RISK

Low Risk

Why maps_distance_matrix needs a policy

This tool retrieves distance and time information from a maps service (likely Google Maps API or similar). It is a read-only query that returns calculated data based on input parameters. No data is created, modified, deleted, or financial transactions are initiated. The operation has no side effects beyond returning information.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'maps_distance_matrix' and description 'Calculate travel distance and time for multiple origins and destinations' indicate a query operation that retrieves routing/distance data without modifying any state or triggering external actions with side…

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

POLICY

How to control maps_distance_matrix

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

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "maps_distance_matrix": {}
  }
}

maps_distance_matrix is read-only, so it stays allowed — but everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

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

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EXPLORE

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Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
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FAQ

Questions about maps_distance_matrix

What does the maps_distance_matrix tool do? +

Calculate travel distance and time for multiple origins and destinations. It is categorised as a Read tool in the MCP-Brave-Search MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on maps_distance_matrix? +

Register the MCP-Brave-Search MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for maps_distance_matrix: 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-Brave-Search. Nothing to install.

What risk level is maps_distance_matrix? +

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

Can I rate-limit maps_distance_matrix? +

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

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

maps_distance_matrix is provided by the MCP-Brave-Search MCP server (modelcontextprotocol/servers-archived). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every MCP-Brave-Search tool call.

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

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