run_query · Dune Analytics MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What run_query does on Dune Analytics MCP Server

AI agents invoke run_query to trigger actions in Dune Analytics 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 run_query needs a policy

This tool executes queries against a live blockchain analytics database. While not inherently destructive (the description mentions 'cached results' suggesting read-primarily operations), the ability to execute arbitrary DuneSQL queries constitutes Execute category — the exact effect depends on the query content.

From the tool's definition The tool name is 'run_query' and the server description indicates it 'execution of saved queries, ad-hoc DuneSQL queries' — this clearly involves executing arbitrary SQL against blockchain data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

run_query Rate-limited

run_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.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "run_query": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "run_query_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 Dune Analytics MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about run_query

What does the run_query tool do? +

run_query. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Dune Analytics 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 run_query? +

Register the Dune Analytics MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for run_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 Dune Analytics MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is run_query? +

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

Can I rate-limit run_query? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the run_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 run_query completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for run_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 run_query? +

run_query is provided by the Dune Analytics MCP Server MCP server (sak1337/dune-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.