find_and_replace · Overleaf MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What find_and_replace does on Overleaf

AI agents use find_and_replace to create or update resources in Overleaf — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Overleaf environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why find_and_replace needs a policy

This tool modifies file content by replacing text, which is a reversible write operation (content can be restored or changed back). It does not execute code or irreversibly destroy data, though replacing all occurrences across a document could have broad impact if misused.

From the tool's definition find_and_replace — replaces occurrences in a file; description mentions replacing one or all occurrences

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

find_and_replace Rate-limited

find_and_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.

View as policy code

policy.json

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

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Overleaf, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about find_and_replace

What does the find_and_replace tool do? +

Replace one occurrence — or all, with. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Overleaf MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on find_and_replace? +

Register the Overleaf MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for find_and_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 Overleaf. Nothing to install.

What risk level is find_and_replace? +

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

Can I rate-limit find_and_replace? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the find_and_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 find_and_replace completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for find_and_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 find_and_replace? +

find_and_replace is provided by the Overleaf MCP server (netique/overleaf-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.