AI agents call list_indexes to retrieve information from Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool only queries and returns index metadata without creating, modifying, or deleting any data structures. It is a purely informational read operation that provides database statistics and index information.
From the tool's definition Tool description explicitly states it 'List[s] all indexes' - a retrieval operation with no modification capability. Returns metadata about indexes: 'definitions, sizes, and usage statistics'.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List all indexes for a table with their definitions, sizes, and usage statistics. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_indexes: 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 Server. Nothing to install.
list_indexes 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_indexes 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_indexes. 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_indexes is provided by the Server MCP server (@nest-mcp/server). 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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