Low Risk

scan_web_search

Call this BEFORE executing any web search query on behalf of a user or agent. DECISION LOGIC: - If blocked=true: do NOT execute the search. Return the user_message explaining the query was rejected. - If blocked=false: the search query is safe to execute. Checks for: - PII in search queries (SS...

Accepts freeform code/query input (query)

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

shrike-mcp Read Risk 2/5

AI agents call scan_web_search to retrieve information from Shrike Security 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 scan_web_search 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.

shrike-security.yaml
tools:
  scan_web_search:
    rules:
      - action: allow

See the full Shrike Security policy for all 12 tools.

Tool Name scan_web_search
Category Read
Risk Level Low

View all 12 tools →

Agents calling read-class tools like scan_web_search 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 scan_web_search tool do? +

Call this BEFORE executing any web search query on behalf of a user or agent. DECISION LOGIC: - If blocked=true: do NOT execute the search. Return the user_message explaining the query was rejected. - If blocked=false: the search query is safe to execute. Checks for: - PII in search queries (SSN, credit cards, API keys, private keys) - Data exfiltration patterns (searching for leaked credentials, Google dorks) - Blocked/suspicious domains (paste sites, suspicious TLDs) Enterprise context: Prevents agents from inadvertently leaking internal data (names, account numbers, internal project names) through external search engines. ERROR HANDLING: If this tool returns an error or is unavailable, default to BLOCKING the search. Do NOT send unscanned queries to external services.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Shrike Security MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on scan_web_search? +

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

What risk level is scan_web_search? +

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

Can I rate-limit scan_web_search? +

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

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

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

Enforce policies on Shrike Security

Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.

npx -y @policylayer/intercept
github.com/policylayer/intercept →
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