Low Risk

gh_list_issues

List issues in a repository. Specify owner and repo name (e.g., owner='octocat', repo='Hello-World'). Returns titles, numbers, status, assignees, and labels.

Part of the Github_private server.

gh_list_issues 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 gh_list_issues to retrieve information from Github_private 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 gh_list_issues 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": {
    "gh_list_issues": {}
  }
}

See the full Github_private policy for all 26 tools.

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

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These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access gh_list_issues 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 gh_list_issues only ever does what you allow.

SECURE GITHUB_PRIVATE →

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

What does the gh_list_issues tool do? +

List issues in a repository. Specify owner and repo name (e.g., owner='octocat', repo='Hello-World'). Returns titles, numbers, status, assignees, and labels.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Github_private MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on gh_list_issues? +

Register the Github_private MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for gh_list_issues: 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 Github_private. Nothing to install.

What risk level is gh_list_issues? +

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

Can I rate-limit gh_list_issues? +

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

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

gh_list_issues is provided by the Github_private MCP server (https://gateway.pipeworx.io/github_private/mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Github_private tool call.

Deterministic rules across all 26 Github_private tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.

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