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Vet an MCP server through the full WARDEN gate chain

vet_mcp_server
Read-onlyIdempotent

Vet an MCP server before its advertised tool definitions reach the model: run WARDEN's four security gates over identity and tools, then return an allow/block verdict, findings, and blocked tools.

Instructions

Run WARDEN's ordered gate chain (static-scan → threat-feed → origin → pinning) over a server identity plus its advertised tools/list payload and return a recordable verdict (allow/block, 0..1 product score, findings, allowedTools/blockedTools, ruleset digest).

When to use: you have a complete server record and want the same decision a host should make before any of those tool definitions reach the model. Prefer this over calling the four gates yourself.

When NOT to use: inspecting descriptions only (call static_scan_tools — no origin/pinning); splitting tools by operator glob (classify_sensitive_tools); checking one outbound URL (check_egress_url); producing RFC 8785 bytes (canonicalize_json).

Behaviour: local, deterministic, no network. This stdio process uses the built-in 11-record threat floor (it does not fetch a signed feed) and an empty in-memory pin store, so every server is first-contact: TOOL_DEF_UNPINNED is advisory and does not block. Origin defaults to allowUnknownServers=true so catalog-discovered servers are not fail-closed. Override policy when you need the host's real knobs. Does not connect to, start, or approve the target server.

Returns structured JSON matching outputSchema. Example: vet_mcp_server({ server: { id: "demo@0", name: "demo", transport: "stdio", command: "npx" }, tools: [{ name: "add", description: "Add two integers.", inputSchema: { type: "object" } }] }).

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
toolsYesExact tools/list payload (1..256 tools). Each item is name + description + inputSchema from the server. Do not filter before vetting — blockedTools is the partition.
policyNoOptional WardenPolicy overlay. Omitted keys keep the stdio defaults: blockAtSeverity=high, empty sensitiveToolPatterns, allowUnknownServers=true, pinToolDefs=true. Use classify_sensitive_tools when you only want the glob split.
serverYesIdentity of the MCP server being vetted — the host's McpServerRef, not a live connection. WARDEN never launches this command or fetches this URL.

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
allowYesfalse when a gate was fatal or a non-advisory finding reached blockAtSeverity.
scoreYesProduct of per-gate scores in [0, 1]. One bad gate drags the whole server down; it is not an average.
findingsYesAccumulated findings across all gates, including advisory.
rulesetsYesRule-table identity in force for this verdict. Store this with the scan.
decidedByNoGate that produced the blocking decision, present only when allow is false.
allowedToolsYesTool names the host may expose to the model.
blockedToolsYesTool names quarantined; the rest of the server may still be usable.

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections. Dates show when Glama detected each change.

  1. First observedv1.0.0

TDQS

A4.7/5.0
Behavior5/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Beyond the readOnly/idempotent/destructive annotations, the description reveals local deterministic no-network behavior, built-in threat floor, empty pin store advisory outcomes, origin default, and that it never connects/starts/approves the server. No contradiction with annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is organized into labeled sections, front-loads purpose, and uses each sentence for a distinct piece of information (use, exclusions, behavior, example). Despite length, it is dense and scannable.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

With a rich input schema, output schema, and annotations present, the description still adds the operational context needed to call correctly: gate order, policy defaults, first-contact behavior, and exclusions. Nothing essential for selection or invocation is missing.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the schema carries the parameter burden. The description adds a concrete invocation example and notes policy override semantics, but it doesn't need to compensate for missing param docs.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

Description opens with a specific verb+resource: run WARDEN's ordered gate chain over a server identity plus tools/list payload and return a verdict. It also distinguishes itself from siblings by naming what it is not in the 'When NOT to use' section.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Contains explicit 'When to use' and 'When NOT to use' guidance with named alternatives: static_scan_tools, classify_sensitive_tools, check_egress_url, canonicalize_json. It even says to prefer this over calling the four gates manually.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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