Read the C64 screen memory and return it as interpreted text. Converts PETSCII screen codes to readable ASCII. Returns 25 lines of 40 characters. Use this instead of readMemory($0400) when you want to see what
AI agents call readScreen to retrieve information from VICE C64 Emulator MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves and interprets screen buffer data from emulator memory without altering state, creating data, executing code, or causing destructive effects. It is a pure read operation equivalent to reading a display buffer. The severity is low because misuse cannot cause harm beyond information disclosure within a sandboxed C64 emulation environment.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'readScreen' and description states 'Read the C64 screen memory and return it as interpreted text.' It 'Converts PETSCII screen codes to readable ASCII' with no modification or side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Read the C64 screen memory and return it as interpreted text. Converts PETSCII screen codes to readable ASCII. Returns 25 lines of 40 characters. Use this instead of readMemory($0400) when you want to see what. It is categorised as a Read tool in the VICE C64 Emulator MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the VICE C64 Emulator MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for readScreen: 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 VICE C64 Emulator MCP Server. Nothing to install.
readScreen 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 readScreen 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 readScreen. 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.
readScreen is provided by the VICE C64 Emulator MCP Server MCP server (simen/vice-mcp). 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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