AI agents call ism_list_classifications to retrieve information from Ism without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves and exposes a reference vocabulary of classifications from the ASD Information Security Manual. It is a pure read operation that queries existing data without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing any actions.
From the tool's definition Tool returns ('Return') the classification vocabulary as parallel lists—a static data retrieval with no mutation or side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Return the classification vocabulary as parallel lists. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Ism MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Ism MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for ism_list_classifications: 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 Ism. Nothing to install.
ism_list_classifications is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the ism_list_classifications 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for ism_list_classifications. 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.
ism_list_classifications is provided by the Ism MCP server (samueldudley/ism-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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