export_query_results · Vertica MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What export_query_results does on Vertica MCP Server

AI agents use export_query_results to create or update resources in Vertica MCP Server — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Vertica MCP Server environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why export_query_results needs a policy

Export operations create new files or data artifacts (CSV, JSON) and constitute a Write action—data is being extracted and serialized into a new form. While the underlying query is Read, the export itself materializes and persists data in a new format.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Export query results in various formats (JSON, CSV)' — an export operation that writes data to a new artifact or file format, creating or modifying output.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

export_query_results Rate-limited

export_query_results stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "export_query_results": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "export_query_results_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Vertica MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about export_query_results

What does the export_query_results tool do? +

Export query results in various formats (JSON, CSV). It is categorised as a Write tool in the Vertica MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on export_query_results? +

Register the Vertica MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for export_query_results: 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 Vertica MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is export_query_results? +

export_query_results is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit export_query_results? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the export_query_results 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.

How do I block export_query_results completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for export_query_results. 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.

What MCP server provides export_query_results? +

export_query_results is provided by the Vertica MCP Server MCP server (smith-nathanh/vertica-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.