pip-list
Runs pip list and returns a structured list of installed packages.
This record as markdown: /tools/io-github-dave-london-npm/pip-list.md
What pip-list does on Npm
AI agents call pip-list to retrieve information from Npm without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
Why pip-list is rated Low
This tool retrieves information about installed Python packages. It performs no side effects, makes no modifications, and cannot be misused to cause harm. It is purely informational, analogous to listing or querying data. The only risk is potential information disclosure about system dependencies, which is minimal and classified as low severity.
From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Runs pip list and returns a structured list of installed packages.' The pip list command is a read-only operation that queries and displays installed packages without modifying, executing, or deleting anything.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs pip-list safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Npm, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For pip-list, this is the rule to start with:
pip-list is read-only, so it stays allowed. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Npm, apply this rule, and every pip-list call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about pip-list
Runs pip list and returns a structured list of installed packages. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Npm MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Npm MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for pip-list: 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 Npm. Nothing to install.
pip-list 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 pip-list 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 pip-list. 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.
pip-list is provided by the Npm MCP server (Dave-London/Pare). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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