List all accessible databases on each configured SQL Server. Connects to each server's master database and discovers databases the user has access to.
AI agents call list_databases to retrieve information from Sql Database without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
The tool only retrieves and enumerates metadata about accessible databases. It queries the master database to discover what databases exist and what the user can access, but performs no modifications, deletions, or code execution. The blast radius of misuse is limited to information disclosure.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'list_databases' and description states it 'List all accessible databases' — a pure enumeration/discovery operation with no modification or execution capability.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List all accessible databases on each configured SQL Server. Connects to each server's master database and discovers databases the user has access to. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Sql Database MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Sql Database MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_databases: 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 Sql Database. Nothing to install.
list_databases 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_databases 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_databases. 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_databases is provided by the Sql Database MCP server (sql-database-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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