List all tables in the database with basic information
AI agents call list_tables to retrieve information from PostgreSQL MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool queries database metadata to enumerate tables. It retrieves information without side effects, creating no data modifications, executing no code, and performing no destructive or financial operations. The blast radius of misuse is minimal—an agent could only enumerate schema structure, which is informational. This is a classic Read operation.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'list_tables' and description states it 'List all tables in the database with basic information' — a retrieval operation with no modification or execution capability.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List all tables in the database with basic information. It is categorised as a Read tool in the PostgreSQL MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the PostgreSQL MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_tables: 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 PostgreSQL MCP Server. Nothing to install.
list_tables 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 list_tables 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 list_tables. 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.
list_tables is provided by the PostgreSQL MCP Server MCP server (sbfulfil/pg-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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