AI agents call list_executions to retrieve information from N8n without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves and queries existing execution records with filter parameters. It has no side effects, creates no resources, modifies no data, and does not trigger any workflows or operations. It is a straightforward data retrieval operation matching the 'Read' category definition.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_executions' and description states it 'List workflow executions' with filtering capabilities. No modification, deletion, or execution triggering is described—only retrieval and querying of execution data.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List workflow executions. Filter by workflow_id, status (success/error/running/waiting/canceled/crashed), project_id. It is categorised as a Read tool in the N8n MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the N8n MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_executions: 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 N8n. Nothing to install.
list_executions 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_executions 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_executions. 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_executions is provided by the N8n MCP server (siddharth0903/n8n-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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