AI agents call a_star_shortest_path to retrieve information from Neo4j Gds without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
A* is a shortest path algorithm that queries/reads graph data to compute a path between nodes. It does not modify, delete, or create data, nor does it execute arbitrary code or involve financial transactions. It is a read-only graph traversal operation.
From the tool's definition 'shortest_path' in the tool name, and the server description mentions 'executing appropriate parameterised graph algorithms' for 'answering graph-related questions'
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The A* (pronounced. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Neo4j Gds MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Neo4j Gds MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for a_star_shortest_path: 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 Neo4j Gds. Nothing to install.
a_star_shortest_path 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 a_star_shortest_path 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 a_star_shortest_path. 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.
a_star_shortest_path is provided by the Neo4j Gds MCP server (neo4j-contrib/gds-agent). 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 →