Get features that overlap a specific feature by ID
AI agents call overlap_id to retrieve information from Ensembl MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves genomic features that overlap with a specified feature identifier. It is a read-only query operation that retrieves and returns data from the Ensembl genomics database without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing any external operations. The blast radius is minimal — misuse would only return queried data, with no risk of data loss, code execution, or financial impact.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'overlap_id' and description states 'Get features that overlap a specific feature by ID' — both indicate a query/retrieval operation with no modification or side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Get features that overlap a specific feature by ID. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Ensembl MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Ensembl MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for overlap_id: 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 Ensembl MCP Server. Nothing to install.
overlap_id 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 overlap_id 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 overlap_id. 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.
overlap_id is provided by the Ensembl MCP Server MCP server (munch-group/ensembl-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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