github_list_branches
AI agents call github_list_branches to retrieve information from Integrations MCP without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves or enumerates branch information from a GitHub repository with no side effects. Listing branches does not create, modify, delete, execute code, or commit financial transactions. The absence of a description is mitigated by the clear semantics of 'list' combined with consistent patterns across the sibling tool set. Even with full access to branch information, the blast radius of misuse is minimal.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'github_list_branches' indicates a retrieval operation (list) that queries existing branches without modification.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
github_list_branches. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Integrations MCP MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Integrations MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for github_list_branches: 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 Integrations MCP. Nothing to install.
github_list_branches 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 github_list_branches 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 github_list_branches. 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.
github_list_branches is provided by the Integrations MCP server (shriram-vasudevan/integrations-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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