wp_db_query · Wp Cli MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What wp_db_query does on Wp Cli

AI agents invoke wp_db_query to trigger actions in Wp Cli. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why wp_db_query needs a policy

This tool executes arbitrary raw SQL against a live WordPress database. Although described as intended for SELECT queries, it explicitly acknowledges support for INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, and by extension DROP or other destructive DDL. An AI agent could misuse it to exfiltrate data, corrupt records, or destroy tables.

From the tool's definition 'Execute a raw SQL query against the WordPress database' and 'WARNING: Write queries (INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE) can damage the database'

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

wp_db_query Rate-limited

wp_db_query stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "wp_db_query": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "wp_db_query_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Wp Cli, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about wp_db_query

What does the wp_db_query tool do? +

Execute a raw SQL query against the WordPress database. Use for read-only SELECT queries. WARNING: Write queries (INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE) can damage the database — use with caution. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Wp Cli MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on wp_db_query? +

Register the Wp Cli MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for wp_db_query: 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 Wp Cli. Nothing to install.

What risk level is wp_db_query? +

wp_db_query is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit wp_db_query? +

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

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

wp_db_query is provided by the Wp Cli MCP server (mvtandas/wp-cli-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.