github_list_variables

List repo Actions variables.

SERVERGithub SOURCEdkeeno/github-mcp-server

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/dkeeno-github-mcp-server/github-list-variables.md

WHAT IT DOES

What github_list_variables does on Github

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

RISK

Why github_list_variables is rated Low

This tool retrieves metadata about repository Actions variables. It performs a read-only query with no capability to modify, delete, or execute code. The blast radius of misuse is minimal—an agent could only discover variable names and possibly their values (depending on API permissions), not alter system state or cause irreversible harm. This clearly fits the Read category.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'github_list_variables' and description 'List repo Actions variables' indicate a retrieval operation with no side effects.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs github_list_variables safely

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

github_list_variables Allowed

github_list_variables 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": {
    "github_list_variables": {}
  }
}

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

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

FAQ

Questions about github_list_variables

What does the github_list_variables tool do? +

List repo Actions variables. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Github MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on github_list_variables? +

Register the Github MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for github_list_variables: 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 Github. Nothing to install.

What risk level is github_list_variables? +

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

Can I rate-limit github_list_variables? +

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

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

github_list_variables is provided by the Github MCP server (dkeeno/github-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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