AI agents call get_file_outline to retrieve information from Astllm without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves and queries structural metadata (symbols, classes, methods) from a file using AST parsing. It does not modify, delete, execute code, or trigger external operations. It is purely informational and read-only, making it a Read-category tool with low severity since unauthorized symbol extraction poses minimal direct risk.
From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Get all symbols in a specific file as a hierarchical outline' and is described as 'Much cheaper than reading the file' — a retrieval operation with no side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Get all symbols in a specific file as a hierarchical outline (classes containing methods, etc.). Much cheaper than reading the file. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Astllm MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Astllm MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for get_file_outline: 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 Astllm. Nothing to install.
get_file_outline 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 get_file_outline 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 get_file_outline. 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.
get_file_outline is provided by the Astllm MCP server (tluyben/astllm-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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