list_user_policies

THE RISK

Low Risk

Why list_user_policies needs a policy

This tool retrieves and enumerates existing IAM policy information for an AWS user. It performs a read-only query operation that has no side effects, does not modify, create, or delete any resources, and does not execute code or move funds. While the data returned could be sensitive (policy details), the tool itself is a benign read operation.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'list_user_policies' and description states 'List all inline policies for an IAM user' — both indicate a query/retrieval operation with no modification or deletion of data.

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

POLICY

How to control list_user_policies

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

policy.json

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

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

Create a free account and register Prometheus MCP Server — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

CAP THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

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All 805 Prometheus MCP Server tools →

Read tools on other servers

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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_user_policies

What does the list_user_policies tool do? +

List all inline policies for an IAM user. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Prometheus MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on list_user_policies? +

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

What risk level is list_user_policies? +

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

Can I rate-limit list_user_policies? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the list_user_policies 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_user_policies completely? +

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

list_user_policies is provided by the Prometheus MCP Server MCP server (awslabs.prometheus-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Prometheus MCP Server tool call.

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

CHECK YOUR STACK →