Read a local file from the VS Code workspace (restricted to workspace directory)
AI agents call read_project_file to retrieve information from AI Development Pipeline MCP without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves file contents from a restricted workspace directory without modifying, executing, or deleting data. It is a straightforward read operation with minimal blast radius, even if an AI agent misuses it by reading sensitive files within the workspace—the harm is limited to information disclosure within an already-accessible directory.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'read_project_file' and description explicitly states it 'Read a local file' with access 'restricted to workspace directory'. The verb 'read' and absence of modification language clearly indicate retrieval with no side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Read a local file from the VS Code workspace (restricted to workspace directory). It is categorised as a Read tool in the AI Development Pipeline MCP MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the AI Development Pipeline MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for read_project_file: 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 AI Development Pipeline MCP. Nothing to install.
read_project_file 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 read_project_file 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 read_project_file. 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.
read_project_file is provided by the AI Development Pipeline MCP server (theburgerllc/ai-development-pipeline-mcp). 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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