list_columns

THE RISK

Low Risk

Why list_columns needs a policy

This tool queries and returns metadata about table columns (properties, formats, formulas) without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing anything. It is a straightforward Read operation with minimal blast radius if misused by an AI agent.

From the tool's definition The tool name is 'list_columns' and the description states it 'List[s] all columns in a table with their properties, formats, and formulas' — purely a retrieval operation with no modification or side effects.

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access list_columns gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control list_columns

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Coda, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for list_columns:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "list_columns": {}
  }
}

list_columns is read-only, so it stays allowed — but everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

Create a free account and register Coda — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

CAP THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

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Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Data exfiltration → How read access becomes an exfiltration channel when chained with untrusted content.
MCP token cost → What connecting this server costs in context-window tokens on every request.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about list_columns

What does the list_columns tool do? +

List all columns in a table with their properties, formats, and formulas. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Coda MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on list_columns? +

Register the Coda MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_columns: 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 Coda. Nothing to install.

What risk level is list_columns? +

list_columns is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit list_columns? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the list_columns 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 list_columns completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for list_columns. 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 list_columns? +

list_columns is provided by the Coda MCP server (tjc-lp/coda-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Coda tool call.

Start from Coda, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →