get_rfc_structure

Get RFC section hierarchy and metadata. Metadata is enriched from the IETF Datatracker API (category, stream, publication date, abstract). Pass includeAuthors=true to also resolve author names (incurs extra API calls).

Server Rfcxml shuji-bonji/rfcxml-mcp
Category Read
Risk class Low
Parameters 00 required

What get_rfc_structure does on Rfcxml

AI agents call get_rfc_structure to retrieve information from Rfcxml without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.

Why get_rfc_structure needs a policy

This tool retrieves and queries structured information about RFC documents without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing any operations. The optional author name resolution is still a read operation that incurs additional API calls but performs no side effects. No irreversible actions, code execution, or financial implications are present.

From the tool's definition Tool description explicitly states it 'Get[s] RFC section hierarchy and metadata' and retrieves data 'from the IETF Datatracker API' with optional author resolution. Uses query verbs (get) with no modification, deletion, or execution capabilities mentioned.

Questions about get_rfc_structure

What does the get_rfc_structure tool do? +

Get RFC section hierarchy and metadata. Metadata is enriched from the IETF Datatracker API (category, stream, publication date, abstract). Pass includeAuthors=true to also resolve author names (incurs extra API calls). It is categorised as a Read tool in the Rfcxml MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on get_rfc_structure? +

Register the Rfcxml MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for get_rfc_structure: 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 Rfcxml. Nothing to install.

What risk level is get_rfc_structure? +

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

Can I rate-limit get_rfc_structure? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the get_rfc_structure 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.

How do I block get_rfc_structure completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for get_rfc_structure. 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 get_rfc_structure? +

get_rfc_structure is provided by the Rfcxml MCP server (shuji-bonji/rfcxml-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

// LOOK UP ANOTHER 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.

Teams ship this data inside their own products. See what a licence covers →

// GET IN TOUCH

Have a question or want to learn more? Send us a message.

Message sent.

We'll get back to you soon.