AI agents call get_source to retrieve information from Fred without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves source metadata from the FRED database—a public, read-only data source. There are no side effects, modifications, deletions, code execution, or financial transactions. The tool fits the 'Read' category as it queries and retrieves data without changing state.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'get_source' and all sibling tools on the server (get_category, get_release, get_related_tags, etc.) follow a consistent pattern of retrieving FRED data.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
get_source. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Fred MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Fred MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for get_source: 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 Fred. Nothing to install.
get_source 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_source 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_source. 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_source is provided by the Fred MCP server (zachspar/fred-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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