pip-list

Runs pip list and returns a structured list of installed packages.

SERVERPython SOURCEDave-London/Pare

Low RISK CLASS

Category Read

Parameters 90 required

Recommended Allowedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/io-github-dave-london-pare-python/pip-list.md

WHAT IT DOES

What pip-list does on Python

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

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
`path`	string	—	Working directory
`user`	boolean	—	Only list packages installed in user-site (--user)
`local`	boolean	—	Only list packages in the local virtualenv (-l, --local)
`compact`	boolean	—	Prefer compact output
`exclude`	array	—	Package names to exclude from output
`editable`	boolean	—	Only list editable packages (-e, --editable)
`outdated`	boolean	—	Only list outdated packages with their latest available versions (--outdated)
`notRequired`	boolean	—	List packages that are not dependencies of other packages (--not-required)
`excludeEditable`	boolean	—	Exclude editable packages from the list (--exclude-editable)

Parameters from the server's own tool schema.

RISK

Why pip-list is rated Low

The pip list command is inherently a query operation that enumerates installed packages. It produces no side effects, makes no modifications to the environment, and returns structured data for inspection only. This is a straightforward Read category classification with low severity since exposure of package inventory carries minimal direct risk.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'pip-list' and description 'Runs pip list and returns a structured list of installed packages' indicate a read-only operation that queries and retrieves information about installed Python packages without modifying any state.

Risk signalsAccepts file system path (path)

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs pip-list safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Python, 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 Allowed

pip-list 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": {
    "pip-list": {}
  }
}

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

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

FAQ

Questions about pip-list

What does the pip-list tool do? +

Runs pip list and returns a structured list of installed packages. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Python MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

What parameters does pip-list accept? +

pip-list accepts 9 parameters: path, user, local, compact, exclude, editable, outdated, notRequired, excludeEditable. The full parameter table on this page comes from the server's own tool schema.

How do I enforce a policy on pip-list? +

Register the Python 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 Python. Nothing to install.

What risk level is pip-list? +

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

Can I rate-limit pip-list? +

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.

How do I block pip-list completely? +

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.

What MCP server provides pip-list? +

pip-list is provided by the Python 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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