format_sql

THE RISK

Low Risk

Why format_sql needs a policy

This tool only reformats/prettifies SQL text for readability. It does not execute, modify, or delete any data — it is a pure text transformation utility with no side effects.

From the tool's definition Format and prettify SQL queries

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

POLICY

How to control format_sql

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

policy.json

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

format_sql 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 IT Tools MCP Server — 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

Related tools and policies

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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 format_sql

What does the format_sql tool do? +

Format and prettify SQL queries. It is categorised as a Read tool in the IT Tools MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on format_sql? +

Register the IT Tools MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for format_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 IT Tools MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is format_sql? +

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

Can I rate-limit format_sql? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the format_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.

How do I block format_sql completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for format_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.

What MCP server provides format_sql? +

format_sql is provided by the IT Tools MCP Server MCP server (wrenchpilot/it-tools-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every IT Tools MCP Server tool call.

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

CHECK YOUR STACK →