run_query

THE RISK

High Risk

Why run_query needs a policy

This tool executes code (SQL) whose effects depend entirely on the query argument provided. While the tool description does not explicitly state what types of queries are permitted (SELECT-only vs. DDL/DML), SQL query execution is inherently an Execute category risk. An AI agent with access to this tool could accidentally or maliciously run DROP TABLE, DELETE, UPDATE, or other destructive commands.

From the tool's definition Tool named 'run_query' with description 'Run a SQL query against Microsoft SQL Server' explicitly allows execution of arbitrary SQL queries.

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

POLICY

How to control run_query

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

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "run_query": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "run_query_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

run_query 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.

Create a free account and register AWS AppSync MCP Server — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

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All 805 AWS AppSync MCP Server tools →

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Go deeper

Govern code and CI agents → Branch allowlists, approval on merges, and rate caps on the build and pipeline tools agents trigger.
High-risk tools in AWS AppSync MCP Server → Every high-risk tool this server exposes, in one view.
All high-risk MCP tools → Every high-risk tool across the catalogue, and the policy pattern that contains them.
The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Agent sandbox → Bounding what an agent can execute and where the boundary should sit.
Least privilege for MCP → Granting agents the minimum tool surface the task needs.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →
PolicyLayer vs alternatives → How deterministic, per-call MCP policy compares with gateways, identity layers, and authorisation platforms.

FAQ

Questions about run_query

What does the run_query tool do? +

Run a SQL query against Microsoft SQL Server. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the AWS AppSync MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on run_query? +

Register the AWS AppSync MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for run_query: 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 AWS AppSync MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is run_query? +

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

Can I rate-limit run_query? +

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

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

run_query is provided by the AWS AppSync MCP Server MCP server (awslabs.aws-appsync-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every AWS AppSync MCP Server tool call.

Start from AWS AppSync MCP Server, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →