explain_search

THE RISK

Low Risk

Why explain_search needs a policy

The tool inspects and explains search mechanics (tokenization, strategy) rather than executing searches, modifying code, or triggering side effects. It returns analysis only, making it a Read operation with minimal risk. Confidence is high because the description clearly indicates introspection of query processing, not execution of arbitrary code or data mutation.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'explain_search' and description 'Explain how a search query will be processed. Shows tokenization and search strategy.' indicate read-only, informational behavior that retrieves and displays metadata about query processing without modifying data or…

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access explain_search gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control explain_search

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and GraphHub, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for explain_search:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "explain_search": {}
  }
}

explain_search is read-only, so it stays allowed — but everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

Create a free account and register GraphHub — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

CAP THIS TOOL →

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EXPLORE

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Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Data exfiltration → How read access becomes an exfiltration channel when chained with untrusted content.
MCP token cost → What connecting this server costs in context-window tokens on every request.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about explain_search

What does the explain_search tool do? +

Explain how a search query will be processed. Shows tokenization and search strategy. It is categorised as a Read tool in the GraphHub MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on explain_search? +

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

What risk level is explain_search? +

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

Can I rate-limit explain_search? +

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

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

explain_search is provided by the GraphHub MCP server (slnquangtran/graph-hub). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every GraphHub tool call.

Start from GraphHub, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →