Low Risk

list_prompts

List all available prompts. Returns JSON with prompt metadata including name, description, and optional arguments.

Part of the What Do They Know? server.

list_prompts is read-only, but an agent in a loop can still rack up calls and cost. PolicyLayer caps every call before it runs. Live in minutes.

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AI agents call list_prompts to retrieve information from What Do They Know? 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_prompts 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.

policy.json
{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "list_prompts": {}
  }
}

See the full What Do They Know? policy for all 8 tools.

Get this rule live on your own What Do They Know? server in minutes. PolicyLayer enforces it on every call, before it runs.

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These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access list_prompts gives an agent. Each links to the full case and the policy that stops it:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

Every attack above starts with a tool call. PolicyLayer checks each one against your policy first, so list_prompts only ever does what you allow.

SECURE WHAT DO THEY KNOW? →

Other read tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: allow, with a rate cap to control cost.

What does the list_prompts tool do? +

List all available prompts. Returns JSON with prompt metadata including name, description, and optional arguments.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the What Do They Know? MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on list_prompts? +

Register the What Do They Know? MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_prompts: 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 What Do They Know?. Nothing to install.

What risk level is list_prompts? +

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

Can I rate-limit list_prompts? +

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

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

list_prompts is provided by the What Do They Know? MCP server (bouch/whatdotheyknow). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every What Do They Know? tool call.

Deterministic rules across all 8 What Do They Know? tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.

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