List snapshots using the CDX API. Returns a structured result with a normalized list.
AI agents call get_snapshots to retrieve information from Wayback Machine MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool queries the Wayback Machine CDX API to retrieve historical snapshot metadata. It performs a read-only operation that retrieves and lists archived webpage snapshots without modifying, deleting, or executing any operations. The blast radius of misuse is minimal—an agent could request excessive snapshots or crawl extensively, but no data is altered or operations triggered on external systems.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'get_snapshots' combined with description stating it 'List snapshots using the CDX API' and 'Returns a structured result with a normalized list' indicates data retrieval with no modification or side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List snapshots using the CDX API. Returns a structured result with a normalized list. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Wayback Machine MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Wayback Machine MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for get_snapshots: 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 Wayback Machine MCP Server. Nothing to install.
get_snapshots 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_snapshots 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_snapshots. 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_snapshots is provided by the Wayback Machine MCP Server MCP server (sisilet/wayback-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.
Teams ship this data inside their own products. See what a licence covers →