AI agents call list_databases to retrieve information from Metabase without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool queries and returns a list of available databases without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing any operations. It is a passive information retrieval action, fitting the Read category. Severity is low because listing database names alone does not expose sensitive data or enable further compromise without additional tools, though it does provide reconnaissance information an attacker might use.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_databases' and description 'List all databases configured in Metabase' indicate a retrieval operation with no modification or side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List all databases configured in Metabase. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Metabase MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Metabase 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 Metabase. 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 Metabase MCP server (voducdan/matebase-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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