Extract specific elements from a web page using CSS selectors.
Risk signalsAccepts URL/endpoint input (url)
Part of the Fetch server.
Free to start. No card required.
AI agents call extract_elements to retrieve information from Fetch without modifying any data. This is common in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows where the agent needs context before taking action. Because read operations don't change state, they are generally safe to allow without restrictions -- but you may still want rate limits to control API costs.
Even though extract_elements only reads data, uncontrolled read access can leak sensitive information or rack up API costs. An agent caught in a retry loop could make thousands of calls per minute. A rate limit gives you a safety net without blocking legitimate use.
Read-only tools are safe to allow by default. No rate limit needed unless you want to control costs.
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"extract_elements": {}
}
}See the full Fetch policy for all 3 tools.
These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access extract_elements gives an agent. Each links to the full case and the policy that stops it:
Other read tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: allow, with a rate cap to control cost.
Extract specific elements from a web page using CSS selectors.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Fetch MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Fetch MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for extract_elements: 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 Fetch. Nothing to install.
extract_elements 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 extract_elements 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 extract_elements. 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.
extract_elements is provided by the Fetch MCP server (smithery-ai/fetch). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Deterministic rules across all 3 Fetch tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.
Free to start. No card required.
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