list_data_types
AI agents call list_data_types to retrieve information from Ncbi Datasets without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
The tool appears to retrieve or list metadata about available data types from NCBI Datasets. Even without a description, the 'list_' prefix conventionally indicates a read-only query operation. Listing data types has no side effects and cannot modify, delete, or execute external operations.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_data_types' indicates a query/enumeration operation. No description provided, but naming convention and sibling tools (which are download/summary/retrieve operations) suggest this lists available data types without modifying state.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
list_data_types. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Ncbi Datasets MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Ncbi Datasets MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_data_types: 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 Ncbi Datasets. Nothing to install.
list_data_types 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_data_types 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_data_types. 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_data_types is provided by the Ncbi Datasets MCP server (syntheticgio/ncbi-datasets-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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