Query data from a CKAN DataStore resource. The DataStore allows SQL-like queries on tabular data. Not all resources have DataStore enabled. The response always includes a Fields section listing all available column names and types. Use limit=0 to discover column names without fetching data — do t...
Risk signalsHigh parameter count (10 properties)
Part of the Ckan server.
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AI agents call ckan_datastore_search to retrieve information from Ckan 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 ckan_datastore_search 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.
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"ckan_datastore_search": {}
}
}See the full Ckan policy for all 20 tools.
These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access ckan_datastore_search gives an agent. Each links to the full case and the policy that stops it:
Other read tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: allow, with a rate cap to control cost.
Query data from a CKAN DataStore resource. The DataStore allows SQL-like queries on tabular data. Not all resources have DataStore enabled. The response always includes a Fields section listing all available column names and types. Use limit=0 to discover column names without fetching data — do this before using filters to avoid guessing column names and getting HTTP 400 errors. Args: - server_url (string): Base URL of CKAN server - resource_id (string): ID of the DataStore resource - q (string): Full-text search query (optional) - filters (object): Key-value filters (e.g., { "anno": 2023 }) - limit (number): Max rows to return (default: 100, max: 32000) - offset (number): Pagination offset (default: 0) - fields (array): Specific fields to return (optional) - sort (string): Sort field with direction (e.g., "anno desc") - distinct (boolean): Return distinct values (default: false) - response_format ('markdown' | 'json'): Output format Returns: DataStore records matching query, always including available column names and types Examples: - { server_url: "...", resource_id: "abc-123", limit: 0 } ← discover columns first - { server_url: "...", resource_id: "abc-123", limit: 50 } - { server_url: "...", resource_id: "...", filters: { "regione": "Sicilia" } } - { server_url: "...", resource_id: "...", sort: "anno desc", limit: 100 } Typical workflow: ckan_package_search → ckan_package_show (find resource_id with datastore_active=true) → ckan_datastore_search (limit=0 to get columns) → ckan_datastore_search (with filters). It is categorised as a Read tool in the Ckan MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Ckan MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for ckan_datastore_search: 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 Ckan. Nothing to install.
ckan_datastore_search is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the ckan_datastore_search 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for ckan_datastore_search. 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.
ckan_datastore_search is provided by the Ckan MCP server (@aborruso/ckan-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Deterministic rules across all 20 Ckan tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.
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