subscribe_alerts

THE RISK

High Risk

Why subscribe_alerts needs a policy

This tool initiates an external network connection to a Socket.IO server and establishes a persistent subscription/stream. It triggers an ongoing external operation (real-time data stream) rather than simply reading static data. While it doesn't modify or delete data, it executes an action (connecting and subscribing) with side effects that persist beyond the call, classifying it as Execute rather than Read.

From the tool's definition Connect to RedAlert Socket.IO server and start receiving real-time emergency alerts

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access subscribe_alerts gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control subscribe_alerts

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and RedAlert MCP Server, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for subscribe_alerts:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "subscribe_alerts": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "subscribe_alerts_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

subscribe_alerts stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

Create a free account and register RedAlert MCP Server — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

More RedAlert MCP Server tools

Write unsubscribe_alerts Disconnect from RedAlert Socket.IO server and stop receiving real-time alerts. Clears the Read get_active_alerts Get real-time snapshot of cities currently under alert, grouped by alert type (missiles, e Read get_alert_subscription_status Check the current real-time alert subscription status including connection state, subscrib Read get_cities Get city catalog for lookups - raw location records with optional translations, coordinate Read get_stats_cities Get city-level alert statistics with pagination, search, and optional translations/coordin Read get_stats_distribution Get alert distribution grouped by category or origin, with filtering, sorting, and paginat Read get_stats_history Get detailed historical alert records with full city data, filtering, sorting, and paginat Read get_stats_summary Get high-level overview of the alert system: totals, unique cities/zones, and optional top

All 12 RedAlert MCP Server tools →

Execute tools on other servers

Android Forensics ADB MCP Server adb_shell_command EMBA-MCP run_emba_scan Frida Game Hacking MCP remove_breakpoint Procmon request_elevation

Go deeper

High-risk tools in RedAlert MCP Server → Every high-risk tool this server exposes, in one view.
All high-risk MCP tools → Every high-risk tool across the catalogue, and the policy pattern that contains them.
The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Agent sandbox → Bounding what an agent can execute and where the boundary should sit.
Least privilege for MCP → Granting agents the minimum tool surface the task needs.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about subscribe_alerts

What does the subscribe_alerts tool do? +

Connect to RedAlert Socket.IO server and start receiving real-time emergency alerts. Optionally filter by alert types and enable test mode for simulated alerts. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the RedAlert MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on subscribe_alerts? +

Register the RedAlert MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for subscribe_alerts: 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 RedAlert MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is subscribe_alerts? +

subscribe_alerts is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit subscribe_alerts? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the subscribe_alerts 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 subscribe_alerts completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for subscribe_alerts. 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 subscribe_alerts? +

subscribe_alerts is provided by the RedAlert MCP Server MCP server (ozba/redalert-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every RedAlert MCP Server tool call.

Start from RedAlert MCP Server, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →