List branches in a repository. Displays both local and optionally remote branches, clearly marking the current branch.
AI agents call git_branch_list to retrieve information from Git MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool only queries and retrieves branch information from a Git repository without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing any operations. It is a pure read operation with minimal security risk. Even if called repeatedly or with unexpected arguments, it cannot damage data or cause unintended effects beyond information disclosure.
From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'List branches in a repository' and 'Displays both local and optionally remote branches'. The verb 'list' and 'displays' indicate data retrieval with no modification or side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List branches in a repository. Displays both local and optionally remote branches, clearly marking the current branch. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Git MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Git MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for git_branch_list: 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 Git MCP Server. Nothing to install.
git_branch_list 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 git_branch_list 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 git_branch_list. 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.
git_branch_list is provided by the Git MCP Server MCP server (wty0512/git-mcp-server). 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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