Low Risk

list_categories

List all 10 skill categories in the Loaditout registry. Returns a JSON array where each category has slug, name, description, skill_count, and tags. Categories include Development Tools, Productivity, Web and Browser, Data and Databases, DevOps and Cloud, AI and ML, Search and APIs, Design and Me...

Part of the Loaditout server.

list_categories is read-only, but an agent in a loop can still rack up calls and cost. PolicyLayer caps every call before it runs. Live in minutes.

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AI agents call list_categories to retrieve information from Loaditout without modifying any data. This is common in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows where the agent needs context before taking action. Because read operations don't change state, they are generally safe to allow without restrictions -- but you may still want rate limits to control API costs.

Even though list_categories only reads data, uncontrolled read access can leak sensitive information or rack up API costs. An agent caught in a retry loop could make thousands of calls per minute. A rate limit gives you a safety net without blocking legitimate use.

Read-only tools are safe to allow by default. No rate limit needed unless you want to control costs.

policy.json
{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "list_categories": {}
  }
}

See the full Loaditout policy for all 21 tools.

Get this rule live on your own Loaditout server in minutes. PolicyLayer enforces it on every call, before it runs.

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These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access list_categories gives an agent. Each links to the full case and the policy that stops it:

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Every attack above starts with a tool call. PolicyLayer checks each one against your policy first, so list_categories only ever does what you allow.

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Other read tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: allow, with a rate cap to control cost.

What does the list_categories tool do? +

List all 10 skill categories in the Loaditout registry. Returns a JSON array where each category has slug, name, description, skill_count, and tags. Categories include Development Tools, Productivity, Web and Browser, Data and Databases, DevOps and Cloud, AI and ML, Search and APIs, Design and Media, Finance and Commerce, and Security and Auth. Use this to help the user browse skills by domain when they do not have a specific search query. No parameters required.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Loaditout MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on list_categories? +

Register the Loaditout MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_categories: 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 Loaditout. Nothing to install.

What risk level is list_categories? +

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

Can I rate-limit list_categories? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the list_categories 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_categories completely? +

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

list_categories is provided by the Loaditout MCP server (loaditout-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Loaditout tool call.

Deterministic rules across all 21 Loaditout tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.

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4,600+ MCP servers and 31,000+ tools scanned and risk-classified.

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