grant_privileges · MCP MySQL Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What grant_privileges does on MCP MySQL Server

AI agents use grant_privileges to create or update resources in MCP MySQL Server — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your MCP MySQL Server environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why grant_privileges needs a policy

grant_privileges modifies user permissions and access control in the database, which is a Write operation (reversible configuration change). While it affects system security and could enable future misuse, the act itself doesn't delete data or execute arbitrary code. The high severity reflects that privilege escalation could have significant downstream consequences in a SQL context.

From the tool's definition Tool named 'grant_privileges' with no description; context shows it's part of MySQL server enabling 'full control database operations' and 'system administration.' Sibling tools include destructive operations (drop_database, delete_data) and admin commands…

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

grant_privileges Rate-limited

grant_privileges stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "grant_privileges": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "grant_privileges_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches MCP MySQL Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about grant_privileges

What does the grant_privileges tool do? +

grant_privileges. It is categorised as a Write tool in the MCP MySQL Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on grant_privileges? +

Register the MCP MySQL Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for grant_privileges: 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 MCP MySQL Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is grant_privileges? +

grant_privileges is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit grant_privileges? +

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

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

grant_privileges is provided by the MCP MySQL Server MCP server (kami2k1/mcp-mysql). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.