Download a file from remote system using Frida instrumentation. Uses double backslashes for Windows paths. Attaches to specified PID or finds explorer.exe. Works best for files up to ~500MB with 60s timeout.
AI agents call download_file to retrieve information from Frida MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
While the tool retrieves data (Read category), the severity is elevated to medium because: (1) it operates via process instrumentation which could access sensitive/privileged data, (2) it requires attaching to running processes (PID targeting or explorer.exe), and (3) in a multi-user system, downloaded files could contain confidential information.
From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Download a file from remote system' which is a retrieval operation. The tool explicitly downloads/retrieves file content without modifying, deleting, or executing code.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Download a file from remote system using Frida instrumentation. Uses double backslashes for Windows paths. Attaches to specified PID or finds explorer.exe. Works best for files up to ~500MB with 60s timeout. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Frida MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Frida MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for download_file: 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 Frida MCP Server. Nothing to install.
download_file 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 download_file 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 download_file. 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.
download_file is provided by the Frida MCP Server MCP server (nonsleepr/frida-mcp.ts). 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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