decode_invoice

Decode a BOLT11 invoice without paying it. Returns amount, description, expiry, and destination.

SERVERLightning Wallet SOURCElightning-wallet-mcp

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/io-github-lightningfaucet-lightning-wallet-mcp/decode-invoice.md

WHAT IT DOES

What decode_invoice does on Lightning Wallet

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

RISK

Why decode_invoice is rated Low

This tool only parses and reads the contents of a BOLT11 invoice string. It explicitly states it does not pay the invoice, making it a pure read/query operation with no side effects or financial obligations.

From the tool's definition Decode a BOLT11 invoice without paying it. Returns amount, description, expiry, and destination.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs decode_invoice safely

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

decode_invoice Allowed

decode_invoice 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": {
    "decode_invoice": {}
  }
}

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

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

FAQ

Questions about decode_invoice

What does the decode_invoice tool do? +

Decode a BOLT11 invoice without paying it. Returns amount, description, expiry, and destination. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Lightning Wallet MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on decode_invoice? +

Register the Lightning Wallet MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for decode_invoice: 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 Lightning Wallet. Nothing to install.

What risk level is decode_invoice? +

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

Can I rate-limit decode_invoice? +

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

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

decode_invoice is provided by the Lightning Wallet MCP server (lightning-wallet-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

KEEP EXPLORING

More on Lightning Wallet, and thousands of servers like it.

This server

All 45 Lightning Wallet tools →

Across the catalogue

The MCP Attack Database →

Guides

Roll out MCP under one policy →Data exfiltration →MCP token cost →