AI agents call list_databases to retrieve information from Mssql without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
connectionName | string | — | Named connection to use (e.g., 'production', 'staging') |
connectionString | string | — | SQL Server connection string (uses default if not provided) |
Parameters from the server's own tool schema.
This tool performs a simple enumeration of databases without side effects. It queries metadata to return information about available databases. The action is purely informational and read-only, making it a Read category tool. Severity is low because the information disclosed (database names) is typically not sensitive in a properly secured environment, and there is no destructive or operational impact.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_databases' and description 'List all databases available on the SQL Server instance' indicate a retrieval operation with no modification of data or execution of code.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List all databases available on the SQL Server instance. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Mssql MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
list_databases accepts 2 parameters: connectionName, connectionString. The full parameter table on this page comes from the server's own tool schema.
Register the Mssql MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_databases: 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 Mssql. Nothing to install.
list_databases 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 list_databases 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 list_databases. 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.
list_databases is provided by the Mssql MCP server (mssql-mcp-server). 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 →