github_list_branches

List branches for a repository

SERVERSage MCP SOURCEsagemcp/sagemcp

Low RISK CLASS

Category Read

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Allowedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/sagemcp-sagemcp/github-list-branches.md

WHAT IT DOES

What github_list_branches does on Sage MCP

AI agents call github_list_branches to retrieve information from Sage MCP without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.

RISK

Why github_list_branches is rated Low

This tool performs a read-only operation to list/enumerate branches in a repository. It does not create, modify, delete, or execute any code. The blast radius of misuse is minimal—an attacker could enumerate repository structure but cannot alter code, trigger builds, or access sensitive operations.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'github_list_branches' and description 'List branches for a repository' indicate a query operation that retrieves branch metadata without modification or side effects.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs github_list_branches safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Sage MCP, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For github_list_branches, this is the rule to start with:

github_list_branches Allowed

github_list_branches is read-only, so it stays allowed. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

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

ALLOW ONLY THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Sage MCP, apply this rule, and every github_list_branches call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about github_list_branches

What does the github_list_branches tool do? +

List branches for a repository. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Sage MCP MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on github_list_branches? +

Register the Sage MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for github_list_branches: 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 Sage MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is github_list_branches? +

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

Can I rate-limit github_list_branches? +

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

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

github_list_branches is provided by the Sage MCP server (sagemcp/sagemcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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