Low Risk

list_tools

List all available Zero Core Tools with pricing and input requirements. Use this for discovery.

Part of the Zero Core Tools server.

list_tools is read-only, but an agent in a loop can still rack up calls and cost. PolicyLayer caps every call before it runs. Live in minutes.

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AI agents call list_tools to retrieve information from Zero Core Tools 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 list_tools 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.

policy.json
{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "list_tools": {}
  }
}

See the full Zero Core Tools policy for all 9 tools.

Get this rule live on your own Zero Core Tools server in minutes. PolicyLayer enforces it on every call, before it runs.

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View all 9 tools →

These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access list_tools gives an agent. Each links to the full case and the policy that stops it:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

Every attack above starts with a tool call. PolicyLayer checks each one against your policy first, so list_tools only ever does what you allow.

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Other read tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: allow, with a rate cap to control cost.

What does the list_tools tool do? +

List all available Zero Core Tools with pricing and input requirements. Use this for discovery.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Zero Core Tools MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on list_tools? +

Register the Zero Core Tools MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_tools: 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 Zero Core Tools. Nothing to install.

What risk level is list_tools? +

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

Can I rate-limit list_tools? +

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

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

list_tools is provided by the Zero Core Tools MCP server (@meltingpixels/zero-core-tools). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Zero Core Tools tool call.

Deterministic rules across all 9 Zero Core Tools tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.

Free to start. No card required.

4,600+ MCP servers and 31,000+ tools scanned and risk-classified.

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