list_tables

List all tables in the database

Server MCP MySQL Server kevinbin/mcp-mysql-server
Category Read
Risk class Low
Parameters 00 required

What list_tables does on MCP MySQL Server

AI agents call list_tables to retrieve information from MCP MySQL Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.

Why list_tables needs a policy

This tool performs a simple metadata query to enumerate tables. It has no side effects, does not modify data, does not execute arbitrary code, and does not delete anything. The blast radius of misuse is minimal—an AI agent could learn the schema structure but cannot access table contents, modify data, or execute commands. This is a classic Read operation.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_tables' and description 'List all tables in the database' indicate a retrieval operation that queries database metadata without modifying or executing anything.

Questions about list_tables

What does the list_tables tool do? +

List all tables in the database. It is categorised as a Read tool in the MCP MySQL Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on list_tables? +

Register the MCP MySQL 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 MCP MySQL Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is list_tables? +

list_tables is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit list_tables? +

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.

How do I block list_tables completely? +

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.

What MCP server provides list_tables? +

list_tables 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.

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