list_containers

List all Docker containers

Server Docker MCP Server pnmice/mcp-server-docker
Category Read
Risk class Low
Parameters 00 required

What list_containers does on Docker MCP Server

AI agents call list_containers to retrieve information from Docker MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.

Why list_containers needs a policy

The 'list' prefix combined with the description 'List all Docker containers' clearly indicates this tool queries and returns information about existing containers without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing any operations. This is a straightforward read operation with minimal risk.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_containers' and description 'List all Docker containers' indicate a retrieval operation with no side effects.

Questions about list_containers

What does the list_containers tool do? +

List all Docker containers. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Docker MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on list_containers? +

Register the Docker MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_containers: 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 Docker MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is list_containers? +

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

Can I rate-limit list_containers? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the list_containers 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_containers completely? +

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

list_containers is provided by the Docker MCP Server MCP server (pnmice/mcp-server-docker). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

// LOOK UP ANOTHER 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 →

// GET IN TOUCH

Have a question or want to learn more? Send us a message.

Message sent.

We'll get back to you soon.