test_connection

Test the database connection and return basic server information

Server Mssql mssql-mcp-server
Category Read
Risk class Low
Parameters 20 required

What test_connection does on Mssql

AI agents call test_connection 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.

ParameterTypeRequiredDescription
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.

Why test_connection needs a policy

This tool performs a connection test and retrieves basic server metadata. It has no side effects, does not execute arbitrary code, does not modify data, and does not delete anything. It is purely informational, similar to a ping or status check. The blast radius of misuse is minimal—an attacker could only learn basic server details already available to authenticated users.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'test_connection' and description 'Test the database connection and return basic server information' indicate a non-destructive query operation that retrieves diagnostic information without modifying data.

Questions about test_connection

What does the test_connection tool do? +

Test the database connection and return basic server information. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Mssql MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

What parameters does test_connection accept? +

test_connection accepts 2 parameters: connectionName, connectionString. The full parameter table on this page comes from the server's own tool schema.

How do I enforce a policy on test_connection? +

Register the Mssql MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for test_connection: 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.

What risk level is test_connection? +

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

Can I rate-limit test_connection? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the test_connection 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 test_connection completely? +

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

test_connection 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.

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