AI agents invoke run_database_query to trigger actions in Metabase 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.
This tool allows execution of arbitrary SQL queries, which can have wide-ranging side effects depending on the query content. While the query itself might be read-only (SELECT) or destructive (DROP, DELETE, UPDATE), the tool enables execution of potentially malicious SQL.
From the tool's definition Tool name: 'run_database_query'. Description: 'Execute a SQL query against a database'. The verb 'Execute' and the capability to run arbitrary SQL queries indicates code execution.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access run_database_query gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Metabase MCP Server, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for run_database_query:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"run_database_query": {
"limits": [
{
"counter": "run_database_query_rate",
"window": "minute",
"max": 10,
"scope": "grant"
}
]
}
}
}run_database_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.
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Execute a SQL query against a database. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Metabase MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.
Register the Metabase MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for run_database_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 Metabase MCP Server. Nothing to install.
run_database_query is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the run_database_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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for run_database_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.
run_database_query is provided by the Metabase MCP Server MCP server (sazboxai/mcp_metabase). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Start from Metabase MCP Server, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.
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9 Metabase MCP Server tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 43,000+ MCP servers.