Get specific lines from a file (1-indexed)
AI agents call get_file_lines to retrieve information from MCP Start App without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves file content without altering state. It is a read-only query operation analogous to 'get' or 'fetch' operations. Even in a local file management context, mere retrieval of data carries minimal risk unless the file itself contains sensitive information—a concern orthogonal to the tool's capability. Severity is low because misuse would only expose data the agent already has access to read.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'get_file_lines' and description 'Get specific lines from a file' indicate a retrieval operation with no modification or side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Get specific lines from a file (1-indexed). It is categorised as a Read tool in the MCP Start App MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the MCP Start App MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for get_file_lines: 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 Start App. Nothing to install.
get_file_lines 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 get_file_lines 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 get_file_lines. 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.
get_file_lines is provided by the MCP Start App MCP server (nexus-aissam/mcp-local). 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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