Return up to N example rows from a table (unordered).
AI agents call sample_rows to retrieve information from Database MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves sample data from a table for inspection or understanding purposes. It performs no mutations, deletions, or side effects. Even if the data contains sensitive information, the risk is mitigated by the fact that it returns only a subset of rows and does not execute arbitrary logic. The blast radius of misuse is limited to information disclosure of existing data, which is a read-level risk.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'sample_rows' and description 'Return up to N example rows from a table' indicate data retrieval with no modification. The verb 'return' and the context of 'example rows' confirm a read-only operation.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Return up to N example rows from a table (unordered). It is categorised as a Read tool in the Database MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Database MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for sample_rows: 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 Database MCP Server. Nothing to install.
sample_rows 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 sample_rows 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 sample_rows. 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.
sample_rows is provided by the Database MCP Server MCP server (vrushil1/database-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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