Company
Date Published
Author
Jon Gitlin
Word count
1285
Language
English
Hacker News points
None

Summary

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) employs token-based authentication to control access to tools and data, but it presents significant security vulnerabilities due to the potential for token interception and misuse. MCP servers can use OAuth 2.1 standards for token management, which involves a multi-step authorization process including the issuance of access and refresh tokens. However, improper API scopes, embedding tokens within call functions, prompt injection attacks, fraudulent MCP servers, and opaque token management processes pose risks. Merge addresses these concerns by offering comprehensive tool descriptions, robust integration observability, granular data access controls, and data encryption, thereby mitigating the issues inherent in MCP usage. Merge acts as an integration platform that simplifies the management of customer integrations beyond just providing a Unified API product, enhancing security and efficiency in accessing hundreds of customer-facing integrations.