read-neo4j-cypher · Neo4j MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What read-neo4j-cypher does on Neo4j MCP Server

AI agents invoke read-neo4j-cypher to trigger actions in Neo4j MCP Server. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why read-neo4j-cypher needs a policy

This tool executes arbitrary Cypher queries against a Neo4j database. While named 'read', Cypher is a full query language that supports not only read operations (MATCH) but also write and destructive operations (CREATE, MERGE, DELETE, DROP). An AI agent could misuse this to run destructive or data-modifying queries. The most severe applicable category is Execute, since arbitrary query execution is possible.

From the tool's definition 'Execute a Cypher query on the neo4j database' — runs arbitrary Cypher queries

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

read-neo4j-cypher Rate-limited

read-neo4j-cypher stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "read-neo4j-cypher": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "read-neo4j-cypher_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Neo4j MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about read-neo4j-cypher

What does the read-neo4j-cypher tool do? +

Execute a Cypher query on the neo4j database. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Neo4j MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on read-neo4j-cypher? +

Register the Neo4j MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for read-neo4j-cypher: 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 MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is read-neo4j-cypher? +

read-neo4j-cypher is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit read-neo4j-cypher? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the read-neo4j-cypher 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 read-neo4j-cypher completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for read-neo4j-cypher. 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 read-neo4j-cypher? +

read-neo4j-cypher is provided by the Neo4j MCP Server MCP server (rebots-online/mcp-neo4j). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.