handle_diagnose_query_performance

THE RISK

High Risk

Why handle_diagnose_query_performance needs a policy

Based on the tool name, this likely diagnoses query performance by executing EXPLAIN plans or querying system tables (e.g., SVL/STL views) in Redshift. This constitutes an Execute-level action as it runs queries against a live database cluster. The description is empty, lowering confidence.

From the tool's definition Tool name: handle_diagnose_query_performance; description is empty. Sibling tool 'handle_execute_ad_hoc_query' confirms this server runs queries against Redshift.

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

POLICY

How to control handle_diagnose_query_performance

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

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "handle_diagnose_query_performance": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "handle_diagnose_query_performance_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

handle_diagnose_query_performance stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

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

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

More Redshift Utils tools

Execute handle_execute_ad_hoc_query handle_execute_ad_hoc_query Read handle_check_cluster_health handle_check_cluster_health Read handle_diagnose_locks handle_diagnose_locks Read handle_get_table_definition handle_get_table_definition Read handle_inspect_table handle_inspect_table Read handle_monitor_workload handle_monitor_workload

All 7 Redshift Utils tools →

Execute tools on other servers

Android Forensics ADB MCP Server adb_shell_command EMBA-MCP run_emba_scan Frida Game Hacking MCP remove_breakpoint Procmon request_elevation

Go deeper

High-risk tools in Redshift Utils → Every high-risk tool this server exposes, in one view.
All high-risk MCP tools → Every high-risk tool across the catalogue, and the policy pattern that contains them.
The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Agent sandbox → Bounding what an agent can execute and where the boundary should sit.
Least privilege for MCP → Granting agents the minimum tool surface the task needs.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about handle_diagnose_query_performance

What does the handle_diagnose_query_performance tool do? +

handle_diagnose_query_performance. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Redshift Utils MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on handle_diagnose_query_performance? +

Register the Redshift Utils MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for handle_diagnose_query_performance: 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 Redshift Utils. Nothing to install.

What risk level is handle_diagnose_query_performance? +

handle_diagnose_query_performance is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit handle_diagnose_query_performance? +

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

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

handle_diagnose_query_performance is provided by the Redshift Utils MCP server (vinodismyname/redshift-utils-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Redshift Utils tool call.

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

CHECK YOUR STACK →