cmis_search

THE RISK

High Risk

Why cmis_search needs a policy

Although primarily a read/search operation, accepting arbitrary CMIS SQL syntax elevates this beyond a simple Read tool into Execute territory, as the query language can be crafted to extract sensitive content, enumerate repository structure, or potentially trigger server-side operations depending on the CMIS implementation.

From the tool's definition Search using CMIS SQL syntax — executes arbitrary SQL-like queries against the repository. While default behavior searches for PDFs, the tool accepts custom CMIS SQL which could be used to probe sensitive metadata or structure.

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

POLICY

How to control cmis_search

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

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "cmis_search": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "cmis_search_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

cmis_search stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

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

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

More Alfresco MCP Server tools

Destructive cancel_checkout Cancel checkout of a document, discarding any working copy. Destructive delete_node Delete a document or folder from Alfresco. Write checkin_document Check in a document after editing using Alfresco REST API. Write checkout_document Check out a document for editing using Alfresco REST API. Write create_folder Create a new folder in Alfresco. Write update_node_properties Update metadata and properties of a document or folder. Write upload_document Upload a document to Alfresco. Read advanced_search Advanced search with sorting and filtering capabilities.

All 15 Alfresco MCP Server tools →

Execute tools on other servers

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Go deeper

High-risk tools in Alfresco MCP Server → Every high-risk tool this server exposes, in one view.
All high-risk MCP tools → Every high-risk tool across the catalogue, and the policy pattern that contains them.
The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Agent sandbox → Bounding what an agent can execute and where the boundary should sit.
Least privilege for MCP → Granting agents the minimum tool surface the task needs.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about cmis_search

What does the cmis_search tool do? +

Search using CMIS SQL syntax. Default query searches for PDF documents. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Alfresco MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on cmis_search? +

Register the Alfresco MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for cmis_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 Alfresco MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is cmis_search? +

cmis_search is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit cmis_search? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the cmis_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 cmis_search completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for cmis_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 cmis_search? +

cmis_search is provided by the Alfresco MCP Server MCP server (stevereiner/python-alfresco-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Alfresco MCP Server tool call.

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

CHECK YOUR STACK →