Get a list of all instances in a schematic, including their library, cell, and name.
AI agents call get_instances to retrieve information from Virtuoso Schematic MCP without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool performs a read-only query of schematic metadata. It retrieves component instance information for inspection purposes, matching the 'Read' category definition: retrieves or queries data with no side effects. The low severity reflects that misuse cannot damage designs or cause unintended modifications—an agent can only over-retrieve data, not cause harm.
From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Get a list of all instances in a schematic' - a pure retrieval operation with no side effects. Returns metadata (library, cell, name) without modifying design state.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Get a list of all instances in a schematic, including their library, cell, and name. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Virtuoso Schematic MCP MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Virtuoso Schematic MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for get_instances: 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 Virtuoso Schematic MCP. Nothing to install.
get_instances 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 get_instances 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 get_instances. 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.
get_instances is provided by the Virtuoso Schematic MCP server (michelebergo/virtuoso-schematic-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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