SHOW DATABASES
AI agents call show_databases to retrieve information from MySQL MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
SHOW DATABASES is a standard SQL query that returns a list of database names accessible to the current connection. It does not modify, delete, or execute arbitrary code. It has minimal blast radius even if invoked by an AI agent, as it only exposes database names already accessible via the connection. The server also advertises 'read-only mode' support, consistent with this classification.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'show_databases' and description is 'SHOW DATABASES' — a SQL query that lists available databases. This is a read-only operation that retrieves metadata with no side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
SHOW DATABASES. It is categorised as a Read tool in the MySQL MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the MySQL MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for show_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 MySQL MCP Server. Nothing to install.
show_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 show_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 show_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.
show_databases is provided by the MySQL MCP Server MCP server (yclenove/mysql-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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