AI agents call run_sql to retrieve information from Mcp without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
The description claims read-only access, which maps to the Read category. However, the actual enforcement of read-only mode depends on implementation (e.g., whether a read-only transaction or user is used). If the read-only constraint is not properly enforced, arbitrary SQL could be executed. Confidence is moderate because we rely on the description's claim without verifying enforcement.
From the tool's definition "Run a read-only SQL query and return rows" — explicitly stated as read-only
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Run a read-only SQL query and return rows. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Mcp MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for run_sql: 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 Mcp. Nothing to install.
run_sql 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 run_sql 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 run_sql. 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.
run_sql is provided by the MCP server (victormyschik/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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