AI agents call get_design_md to retrieve information from Pen without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves and returns data (design specification document) without modifying, executing operations, or causing irreversible changes. It is a straightforward read/query operation with minimal blast radius if misused—an AI agent could only retrieve existing design information, not alter system state.
From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Get the design.md... Returns the parsed spec and raw markdown.' The verb 'Get' and the retrieval-only nature (no creation, modification, or deletion described) indicates a read operation.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Get the design.md (design system specification) from the document. Returns the parsed spec and raw markdown. If no design.md is loaded, returns hasDesignMd: false. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Pen MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Pen MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for get_design_md: 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 Pen. Nothing to install.
get_design_md 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_design_md 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_design_md. 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_design_md is provided by the Pen MCP server (@zseven-w/pen-mcp). 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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