Low Risk

list_running_processes

List all running processes on the system. Can be filtered by providing an optional filter string that will match against process names.

Part of the Windows Command Line MCP Server MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

AI agents call list_running_processes to retrieve information from Windows Command Line MCP Server without modifying any data. This is common in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows where the agent needs context before taking action. Because read operations don't change state, they are generally safe to allow without restrictions -- but you may still want rate limits to control API costs.

Even though list_running_processes only reads data, uncontrolled read access can leak sensitive information or rack up API costs. An agent caught in a retry loop could make thousands of calls per minute. A rate limit gives you a safety net without blocking legitimate use.

Read-only tools are safe to allow by default. No rate limit needed unless you want to control costs.

alxspiker-windows-command-line-mcp-server.yaml
tools:
  list_running_processes:
    rules:
      - action: allow

See the full Windows Command Line MCP Server policy for all 8 tools.

Tool Name list_running_processes
Category Read
Risk Level Low

Agents calling read-class tools like list_running_processes have been implicated in these attack patterns. Read the full case and prevention policy for each:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

Other tools in the Read risk category across the catalogue. The same policy patterns (rate-limit, allow) apply to each.

What does the list_running_processes tool do? +

List all running processes on the system. Can be filtered by providing an optional filter string that will match against process names.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Windows Command Line MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on list_running_processes? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for list_running_processes. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Windows Command Line MCP Server MCP server.

What risk level is list_running_processes? +

list_running_processes is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit list_running_processes? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the list_running_processes rule in your Intercept 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 list_running_processes completely? +

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for list_running_processes. 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 list_running_processes? +

list_running_processes is provided by the Windows Command Line MCP Server MCP server (alxspiker/Windows-Command-Line-MCP-Server). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policies on Windows Command Line MCP Server

Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.

npx -y @policylayer/intercept
github.com/policylayer/intercept →
// GET IN TOUCH

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