Get index settings
AI agents call get_settings to retrieve information from mcp-OpenSearch without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves index settings/configuration from OpenSearch, which is a read-only query operation with no side effects. It does not create, modify, delete, or execute anything. The severity is low because reading index settings carries minimal risk—it provides configuration metadata that is typically not sensitive, and misuse would only result in information disclosure rather than data loss or system compromise.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'get_settings' and description 'Get index settings' indicate a retrieval operation. The sibling tools include 'list_indices', 'get_mapping', 'search_documents', and 'get_cluster_health'—all read-only operations.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Get index settings. It is categorised as a Read tool in the mcp-OpenSearch MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the mcp-OpenSearch MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for get_settings: 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 mcp-OpenSearch. Nothing to install.
get_settings 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_settings 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_settings. 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_settings is provided by the mcp-OpenSearch MCP server (showjason/opensearch-mcp-server). 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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