inspect_local_extension
Validate a local extension manifest, directory, or offline bundle without installing it.
This record as markdown: /tools/todos/inspect-local-extension.md
What inspect_local_extension does on Todos
AI agents call inspect_local_extension to retrieve information from Todos without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
Why inspect_local_extension is rated Low
The tool exclusively validates and inspects existing local files and manifests. The explicit phrase 'without installing it' confirms no state-changing actions occur. This is a diagnostic/query operation typical of Read category tools (inspect, validate, check). The blast radius is minimal since it cannot modify data, execute code, or alter system state.
From the tool's definition Tool performs validation and inspection of local extension manifests/directories/bundles 'without installing it' — a pure read-only operation with no side effects or modifications.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs inspect_local_extension safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Todos, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For inspect_local_extension, this is the rule to start with:
inspect_local_extension is read-only, so it stays allowed. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Todos, apply this rule, and every inspect_local_extension call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about inspect_local_extension
Validate a local extension manifest, directory, or offline bundle without installing it. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Todos MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Todos MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for inspect_local_extension: 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 Todos. Nothing to install.
inspect_local_extension 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 inspect_local_extension 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 inspect_local_extension. 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.
inspect_local_extension is provided by the Todos MCP server (@hasna/todos). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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