High Risk →

run_algorithm

Run one or more named algorithms on media. Provide algorithm IDs (from list_algorithms) and either a public media_url or base64-encoded media content. For text, use the text param. Returns a job_id for async processing — use check_job to poll for results. Requires credits.

Accepts file system path (filename); Accepts URL/endpoint input (webhook_url)

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

sidearmdrm/sidearm Execute Risk 4/5

AI agents invoke run_algorithm to trigger processes or run actions in Sidearm. Execute operations can have side effects beyond the immediate call -- triggering builds, sending notifications, or starting workflows. Rate limits and argument validation are essential to prevent runaway execution.

run_algorithm can trigger processes with real-world consequences. An uncontrolled agent might start dozens of builds, send mass notifications, or kick off expensive compute jobs. Intercept enforces rate limits and validates arguments to keep execution within safe bounds.

Execute tools trigger processes. Rate-limit and validate arguments to prevent unintended side effects.

sidearmdrm-sidearm.yaml
tools:
  run_algorithm:
    rules:
      - action: allow
        rate_limit:
          max: 10
          window: 60
        validate:
          required_args: true

See the full Sidearm policy for all 19 tools.

Tool Name run_algorithm
Category Execute
MCP Server Sidearm MCP Server
Risk Level High

View all 19 tools →

Agents calling execute-class tools like run_algorithm 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 Execute risk category across the catalogue. The same policy patterns (rate-limit, validate) apply to each.

run_algorithm is one of the high-risk operations in Sidearm. For the full severity-focused view — only the high-risk tools with their recommended policies — see the breakdown for this server, or browse all high-risk tools across every MCP server.

What does the run_algorithm tool do? +

Run one or more named algorithms on media. Provide algorithm IDs (from list_algorithms) and either a public media_url or base64-encoded media content. For text, use the text param. Returns a job_id for async processing — use check_job to poll for results. Requires credits.. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Sidearm MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on run_algorithm? +

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

What risk level is run_algorithm? +

run_algorithm is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit run_algorithm? +

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

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

run_algorithm is provided by the Sidearm MCP server (sidearmdrm/sidearm). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policies on Sidearm

Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.

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

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