Reads a file from the remote system
AI agents call fs_read to retrieve information from Mcp Ssh Tool without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves file contents from a remote SSH-connected system without modifying, deleting, or executing anything. It is a straightforward read operation. Severity is low because while an agent could read sensitive files if misconfigured or compromised, the tool itself performs no destructive or dangerous actions—it only retrieves data.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'fs_read' and description 'Reads a file from the remote system' indicate a retrieval operation with no side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Reads a file from the remote system. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Mcp Ssh Tool MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Mcp Ssh Tool MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for fs_read: 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 Mcp Ssh Tool. Nothing to install.
fs_read 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 fs_read 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 fs_read. 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.
fs_read is provided by the Mcp Ssh Tool MCP server (skot/mcp-ssh-tool). 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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