genome_download_by_accession
AI agents call genome_download_by_accession to retrieve information from Ncbi Datasets without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
Despite the empty description, the naming pattern and context indicate this is a data retrieval tool. 'Download' in this genomic data context means fetching existing data, not executing arbitrary code or modifying systems. The NCBI Datasets service is a public query/retrieval API. No financial, destructive, or code execution capabilities are evident.
From the tool's definition Tool name indicates retrieval operation ('download_by_accession'). Server description emphasizes 'retrieve' and 'download data packages'. Sibling tools include 'genome_summary_by_accession' and 'list_data_types', which are clearly read-only.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
genome_download_by_accession. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Ncbi Datasets MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Ncbi Datasets MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for genome_download_by_accession: 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 Ncbi Datasets. Nothing to install.
genome_download_by_accession 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 genome_download_by_accession 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 genome_download_by_accession. 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.
genome_download_by_accession is provided by the Ncbi Datasets MCP server (syntheticgio/ncbi-datasets-mcp-server). 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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