add_column · MCP MySQL Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_column does on MCP MySQL Server

AI agents use add_column 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 add_column needs a policy

Adding a column to a table modifies the database schema reversibly but is a significant structural change. It's Write rather than Execute because the effect is deterministic schema modification, not arbitrary command execution.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'add_column' and description 'Add a new column to existing table' indicate modification of database schema structure. This is a write operation that creates new schema elements.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_column Rate-limited

add_column 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": {
    "add_column": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_column_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 add_column

What does the add_column tool do? +

Add a new column to existing table. 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 add_column? +

Register the MCP MySQL Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_column: 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 add_column? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_column? +

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

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

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