Retrieve a Notion database by ID.
AI agents call retrieve_database to retrieve information from Notion MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool queries and returns database metadata/structure by ID without creating, modifying, or deleting any data. It is a safe read-only operation with minimal blast radius if misused by an AI agent, as it can only expose existing information the integration token already has access to.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'retrieve_database' and description states 'Retrieve a Notion database by ID' — retrieve indicates data retrieval with no modification.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Retrieve a Notion database by ID. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Notion MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Notion MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for retrieve_database: 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 Notion MCP Server. Nothing to install.
retrieve_database 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 retrieve_database 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 retrieve_database. 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.
retrieve_database is provided by the Notion MCP Server MCP server (lrgex/notion-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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