Low Risk

check_cves

Checks a list of MCP server names and optional versions against a database of known CVEs in the MCP ecosystem (covering path traversal, SSRF, auth bypass, prompt injection, data exfiltration, command injection, and SQL injection). Returns matching CVEs with severity, CVSS scores, and remediation ...

Part of the Security Scanner MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

AI agents call check_cves to retrieve information from Security Scanner without modifying any data. This is common in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows where the agent needs context before taking action. Because read operations don't change state, they are generally safe to allow without restrictions -- but you may still want rate limits to control API costs.

Even though check_cves only reads data, uncontrolled read access can leak sensitive information or rack up API costs. An agent caught in a retry loop could make thousands of calls per minute. A rate limit gives you a safety net without blocking legitimate use.

Read-only tools are safe to allow by default. No rate limit needed unless you want to control costs.

security-scanner.yaml
tools:
  check_cves:
    rules:
      - action: allow

See the full Security Scanner policy for all 5 tools.

Tool Name check_cves
Category Read
Risk Level Low

Agents calling read-class tools like check_cves have been implicated in these attack patterns. Read the full case and prevention policy for each:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

Other tools in the Read risk category across the catalogue. The same policy patterns (rate-limit, allow) apply to each.

What does the check_cves tool do? +

Checks a list of MCP server names and optional versions against a database of known CVEs in the MCP ecosystem (covering path traversal, SSRF, auth bypass, prompt injection, data exfiltration, command injection, and SQL injection). Returns matching CVEs with severity, CVSS scores, and remediation steps.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Security Scanner MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on check_cves? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for check_cves. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Security Scanner MCP server.

What risk level is check_cves? +

check_cves is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit check_cves? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the check_cves rule in your Intercept 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 check_cves completely? +

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for check_cves. 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 check_cves? +

check_cves is provided by the Security Scanner MCP server (mcp-server-security-scanner). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policies on Security Scanner

Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.

npx -y @policylayer/intercept
github.com/policylayer/intercept →
// GET IN TOUCH

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