vscode_trigger_hover

THE RISK

High Risk

Why vscode_trigger_hover needs a policy

While the tool itself is read-like (retrieving tooltip text), it performs an Execute-category action by triggering UI interactions whose effects depend on which element is targeted. In the context of VSCode automation, triggering hovers can activate tooltips, previews, or other side effects. However, the primary function appears to be information retrieval (tooltip content), making it borderline Read/Execute.

From the tool's definition Tool triggers hover actions on VSCode UI elements and retrieves tooltip content. The description explicitly states it 'trigger[s] hover on an element' and can 'wait for tooltip to appear', indicating programmatic UI interaction.

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

POLICY

How to control vscode_trigger_hover

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

policy.json

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

vscode_trigger_hover 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 VSCode Automation MCP — 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 VSCode Automation MCP tools

Destructive vscode_clear_console Clear captured console logs. Execute vscode_execute_command Execute a VSCode command programmatically. Use this to trigger any command available in th Execute vscode_execute_script Execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the VSCode window context (like DevTools console). Ha Execute vscode_go_to_definition Trigger Go to Definition (F12) on the current cursor position. Execute vscode_hover Hover over an element for a specified duration to trigger hover effects. Execute vscode_initialize Initialize the VSCode automation driver. This is called automatically on first tool use, b Execute vscode_trigger_completion Trigger IntelliSense/code completion (Ctrl+Space) and optionally wait for items. Execute vscode_trigger_signature_help Trigger signature help (Ctrl+Shift+Space) and get parameter info.

All 61 VSCode Automation MCP tools →

Execute tools on other servers

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Go deeper

High-risk tools in VSCode Automation MCP → 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 vscode_trigger_hover

What does the vscode_trigger_hover tool do? +

Trigger hover on an element and optionally wait for tooltip to appear. Returns tooltip content if found. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the VSCode Automation MCP MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on vscode_trigger_hover? +

Register the VSCode Automation MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for vscode_trigger_hover: 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 VSCode Automation MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is vscode_trigger_hover? +

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

Can I rate-limit vscode_trigger_hover? +

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

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

vscode_trigger_hover is provided by the VSCode Automation MCP server (sukarth/vscode-automation-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every VSCode Automation MCP tool call.

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

CHECK YOUR STACK →