High Risk →

step_over

Steps over to the next line of code

How to control step_over ↓

AI agents invoke step_over to trigger actions in MCP NodeJS Debugger. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

High Risk

step_over advances execution of a paused debugger session to the next line, which triggers code execution. It controls program flow in an active debugging session, making it an Execute-category action. Misuse could advance execution past critical breakpoints or through destructive code paths.

From the tool's definition Steps over to the next line of code

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

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

policy.json
{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "step_over": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "step_over_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

step_over 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.

  1. Create a free account and register MCP NodeJS Debugger — nothing to install.
  2. Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
  3. Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.
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Go deeper

What does the step_over tool do? +

Steps over to the next line of code. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the MCP NodeJS Debugger MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on step_over? +

Register the MCP NodeJS Debugger MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for step_over: 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 MCP NodeJS Debugger. Nothing to install.

What risk level is step_over? +

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

Can I rate-limit step_over? +

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

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

step_over is provided by the MCP NodeJS Debugger MCP server (workbackai/mcp-nodejs-debugger). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every MCP NodeJS Debugger tool call.

Deterministic rules across all 13 MCP NodeJS Debugger tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.

Free to start. No card required.

13 MCP NodeJS Debugger tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 42,500+ MCP servers.

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