This record as markdown: /tools/io-github-portel-dev-ncp/query-range.md
What query_range does on Ncp
AI agents invoke query_range to trigger actions in Ncp. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call: builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.
Why query_range is rated High
The tool executes a PromQL range query against a Prometheus-compatible metrics system. While PromQL is typically read-only (it queries time-series data), the 'Execute' framing and the fact that it runs arbitrary query expressions on an external system places it in the Execute category.
From the tool's definition 'Execute range PromQL query' — the word 'Execute' and 'query' indicate running a PromQL expression against a metrics backend
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs query_range safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Ncp, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For query_range, this is the rule to start with:
query_range stays usable, but rate-capped: a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Ncp, apply this rule, and every query_range call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about query_range
Execute range PromQL query. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Ncp MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.
Register the Ncp MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for query_range: 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 Ncp. Nothing to install.
query_range is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the query_range 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for query_range. 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.
query_range is provided by the Ncp MCP server (@portel/ncp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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