List running processes.
AI agents call list_processes to retrieve information from Simple MCP without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
Listing processes is a read-only operation that gathers information about running system processes. It has no side effects, does not modify data, and does not execute code or trigger external operations. While the information could theoretically be used for reconnaissance, the tool itself performs no dangerous actions.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'list_processes' and description states 'List running processes.' This is a query operation that retrieves system state information without modification.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List running processes. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Simple MCP MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Simple MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_processes: 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 Simple MCP. Nothing to install.
list_processes 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_processes 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_processes. 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_processes is provided by the Simple MCP server (karar-hayder/simple-mcp). 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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