list_prompt_templates

THE RISK

Low Risk

Why list_prompt_templates needs a policy

This tool queries and returns existing prompt templates without modifying, executing code, deleting data, or moving money. It is purely informational and read-only in nature, with minimal security risk even if misused by an AI agent.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_prompt_templates' and description 'Returns the MCP prompt templates on this server' indicate a retrieval operation with no side effects.

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access list_prompt_templates gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control list_prompt_templates

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and MCP from Scratch Server, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for list_prompt_templates:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "list_prompt_templates": {}
  }
}

list_prompt_templates is read-only, so it stays allowed — but everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

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EXPLORE

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Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Data exfiltration → How read access becomes an exfiltration channel when chained with untrusted content.
MCP token cost → What connecting this server costs in context-window tokens on every request.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about list_prompt_templates

What does the list_prompt_templates tool do? +

Returns the MCP prompt templates on this server. In Claude Desktop use + → Add from this server. It is categorised as a Read tool in the MCP from Scratch Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on list_prompt_templates? +

Register the MCP from Scratch Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_prompt_templates: 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 from Scratch Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is list_prompt_templates? +

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

Can I rate-limit list_prompt_templates? +

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

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

list_prompt_templates is provided by the MCP from Scratch Server MCP server (pguso/mcp-from-scratch). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every MCP from Scratch Server tool call.

Start from MCP from Scratch Server, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

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