List all tables in the database with metadata
AI agents call list_tables to retrieve information from PostgreSQL MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves database schema information without modifying any data. It simply lists tables and their metadata—a standard schema inspection operation with no side effects.
From the tool's definition Tool is documented as 'List all tables in the database with metadata' and is part of a 'read-only access' PostgreSQL server. The server explicitly provides 'schema inspection' capabilities.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List all tables in the database with metadata. It is categorised as a Read tool in the PostgreSQL MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the PostgreSQL MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_tables: 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 PostgreSQL MCP Server. Nothing to install.
list_tables is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the list_tables 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 list_tables. 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.
list_tables is provided by the PostgreSQL MCP Server MCP server (jplwunder/postgres-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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