AI agents call get_spectrum_by_targetid to retrieve information from Astro MCP without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves astronomical spectrum data from DESI/SPARCL databases using a targetid lookup. It performs a read-only query operation that returns data without side effects. There is no indication of data modification, deletion, code execution, or financial operations. The severity is low because retrieving publicly available astronomical data poses minimal risk even if misused by an AI agent.
From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Retrieve spectrum data' and 'retrieves or queries data' with no mention of modification, deletion, or code execution capabilities. The function bridges catalog searches to spectrum retrieval, which is a query operation.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Retrieve spectrum data using DESI targetid by automatically finding the corresponding SPARCL UUID. This bridges the gap between catalog search results and spectrum retrieval. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Astro MCP MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Astro MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for get_spectrum_by_targetid: 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 Astro MCP. Nothing to install.
get_spectrum_by_targetid 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_spectrum_by_targetid 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_spectrum_by_targetid. 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_spectrum_by_targetid is provided by the Astro MCP server (sandyyuan/astro_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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