run_query

THE RISK

High Risk

Why run_query needs a policy

SQL query execution is a classic Execute category action: it runs code (SQL) whose side effects are determined by the argument (the query itself). While SQL queries can be read-only, the tool permits arbitrary queries, meaning an agent could execute destructive commands (DROP, DELETE, TRUNCATE) or data modification (UPDATE, INSERT) depending on permissions.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'run_query' and description states it 'Run[s] a SQL query against Microsoft SQL Server' — this directly executes arbitrary SQL commands whose effects depend on the query argument provided.

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 Transform 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 Transform 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 Transform MCP Server tools →

Execute tools on other servers

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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 Transform 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 Transform 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 Transform 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 Transform 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 Transform MCP Server MCP server (awslabs.aws-transform-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 Transform MCP Server tool call.

Start from AWS Transform 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 →