AI agents call list_tables to retrieve information from Mcp Query without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves metadata about database schema (table names) without executing queries, modifying data, or triggering side effects. It is a read-only introspection operation. Severity is low because listing table names alone does not expose sensitive data or enable misuse without subsequent query execution, though it does provide reconnaissance information.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_tables' and description 'List all tables in a database' indicate a data retrieval operation with no modification or execution of commands.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List all tables in a database. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Mcp Query MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Mcp Query MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_tables: 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 Mcp Query. Nothing to install.
list_tables 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_tables 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_tables. 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_tables is provided by the Mcp Query MCP server (ottimis/mcp-query). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
list_tables is one line of Mcp Query's registry record.
The record carries the whole server: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, every tool classified, recommended policy — re-checked continuously.
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