Low Risk

subjects

Navigate the database/subject tree. Root (empty path) lists databases ({dbid}). Drill into a database id to get folders (type "l") and tables (type "t", ".px" suffix).

Risk signalsAccepts file system path (path) · Admin/system-level operation

Part of the Statbank Md server.

subjects 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 subjects to retrieve information from Statbank Md 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 subjects 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": {
    "subjects": {}
  }
}

See the full Statbank Md policy for all 23 tools.

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View all 23 tools →

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

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Every attack above starts with a tool call. PolicyLayer checks each one against your policy first, so subjects 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 subjects tool do? +

Navigate the database/subject tree. Root (empty path) lists databases ({dbid}). Drill into a database id to get folders (type "l") and tables (type "t", ".px" suffix).. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Statbank Md MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on subjects? +

Register the Statbank Md MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for subjects: 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 Statbank Md. Nothing to install.

What risk level is subjects? +

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

Can I rate-limit subjects? +

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

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

subjects is provided by the Statbank Md MCP server (https://gateway.pipeworx.io/statbank-md/mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Statbank Md tool call.

Deterministic rules across all 23 Statbank Md tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.

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