This record as markdown: /tools/openclaw/dns.md
What dns does on OpenClaw
AI agents call dns to retrieve information from OpenClaw without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
Why dns is rated Low
DNS helpers typically perform lookups and queries to resolve hostnames or discover services. The description mentions 'discovery' which aligns with read/query operations. No write, execute, or destructive behavior is indicated.
From the tool's definition 'DNS helpers for wide-area discovery' implies querying/resolving DNS records, which is a read operation
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs dns safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and OpenClaw, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For dns, this is the rule to start with:
dns is read-only, so it stays allowed. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect OpenClaw, apply this rule, and every dns call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about dns
DNS helpers for wide-area discovery (Tailscale + CoreDNS). It is categorised as a Read tool in the OpenClaw MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the OpenClaw MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for dns: 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 OpenClaw. Nothing to install.
dns 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 dns 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 dns. 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.
dns is provided by the OpenClaw MCP server (openclaw). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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