list_tables

List all tables in a specific database and schema

SERVERCowork Bench SOURCE0717376/cowork_bench

Low RISK CLASS

Category Read

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Allowedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/cowork-bench/list-tables.md

WHAT IT DOES

What list_tables does on Cowork Bench

AI agents call list_tables to retrieve information from Cowork Bench without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.

RISK

Why list_tables is rated Low

The tool performs a read-only operation that retrieves metadata about database structure (table names). It has no side effects, does not modify data, does not execute arbitrary operations, and does not delete or move resources. The blast radius of misuse is minimal—an attacker gains only schema visibility, not data access or the ability to modify or destroy anything.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'List all tables in a specific database and schema' — this is a query/retrieval operation with no modification or execution of code.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs list_tables safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Cowork Bench, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For list_tables, this is the rule to start with:

list_tables Allowed

list_tables is read-only, so it stays allowed. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "list_tables": {}
  }
}

ALLOW ONLY THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Cowork Bench, apply this rule, and every list_tables call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about list_tables

What does the list_tables tool do? +

List all tables in a specific database and schema. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Cowork Bench MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on list_tables? +

Register the Cowork Bench MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_tables: 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 Cowork Bench. Nothing to install.

What risk level is list_tables? +

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

Can I rate-limit list_tables? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the list_tables 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_tables completely? +

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

list_tables is provided by the Cowork Bench MCP server (0717376/cowork_bench). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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