High Risk →

jq_query

Process JSON data using jq filter syntax without requiring approval.

How to control jq_query ↓

What jq_query does on MCP DevTools Server

AI agents invoke jq_query to trigger actions in MCP DevTools 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.

High Risk

Why jq_query needs a policy

jq is a JSON processor that executes filter programs/expressions against data. While typically used for read-like querying, jq supports complex operations including data transformation and can execute arbitrary filter logic. The 'without requiring approval' note suggests automated execution of arbitrary jq expressions, which elevates risk beyond a simple read operation.

From the tool's definition "Process JSON data using jq filter syntax" — jq supports arbitrary filter expressions including operations that can transform, extract, or manipulate data; "without requiring approval" indicates it runs without human confirmation

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

How to control jq_query

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

policy.json
{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "jq_query": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "jq_query_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

jq_query 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.

  1. Create a free account and register MCP DevTools Server — nothing to install.
  2. Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
  3. Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.
RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

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Related tools and policies

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Questions about jq_query

What does the jq_query tool do? +

Process JSON data using jq filter syntax without requiring approval. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the MCP DevTools 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 jq_query? +

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

What risk level is jq_query? +

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

Can I rate-limit jq_query? +

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

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

jq_query is provided by the MCP DevTools Server MCP server (rshade/mcp-devtools-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every MCP DevTools Server tool call.

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

Free to start. No card required.

79 MCP DevTools Server tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 43,000+ MCP servers.

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