AI agents call gcp_compute_instances to retrieve information from Infra Ops without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves and lists existing Google Compute Engine instances, which is a read-only operation that returns current state information without side effects. Consistent with the sibling tools like 'aws_ec2_instances' and 'azure_vm_list' which are also informational read operations.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'gcp_compute_instances' and description 'List GCE instances' indicate a query/listing operation with no data modification or execution capabilities.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List GCE instances. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Infra Ops MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Infra Ops MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for gcp_compute_instances: 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 Infra Ops. Nothing to install.
gcp_compute_instances 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 gcp_compute_instances 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 gcp_compute_instances. 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.
gcp_compute_instances is provided by the Infra Ops MCP server (skyvanguard/infra-ops-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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