AI agents call n8n_list_active_workflows to retrieve information from Mcp N8n without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves and queries workflow metadata (IDs of active workflows) without modifying, deleting, or executing any workflows. It is a pure read operation that only returns status information, making it the lowest risk category.
From the tool's definition Tool name includes 'list' and description states 'List all currently active workflow IDs', indicating a retrieval operation with no side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List all currently active workflow IDs. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Mcp N8n MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Mcp N8n MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for n8n_list_active_workflows: 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 N8n. Nothing to install.
n8n_list_active_workflows 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 n8n_list_active_workflows 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 n8n_list_active_workflows. 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.
n8n_list_active_workflows is provided by the Mcp N8n MCP server (lyzetam/mcp-n8n). 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.
Teams ship this data inside their own products. See what a licence covers →