Low Risk

describe_permission

Return the detailed manifest shape and usage notes for a specific permission key.

Part of the Addon server.

describe_permission is read-only, but an agent in a loop can still rack up calls and cost. PolicyLayer caps every call before it runs. Live in minutes.

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AI agents call describe_permission to retrieve information from Addon without modifying any data. This is common in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows where the agent needs context before taking action. Because read operations don't change state, they are generally safe to allow without restrictions -- but you may still want rate limits to control API costs.

Even though describe_permission only reads data, uncontrolled read access can leak sensitive information or rack up API costs. An agent caught in a retry loop could make thousands of calls per minute. A rate limit gives you a safety net without blocking legitimate use.

Read-only tools are safe to allow by default. No rate limit needed unless you want to control costs.

policy.json
{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "describe_permission": {}
  }
}

See the full Addon policy for all 14 tools.

Get this rule live on your own Addon server in minutes. PolicyLayer enforces it on every call, before it runs.

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These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access describe_permission gives an agent. Each links to the full case and the policy that stops it:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

Every attack above starts with a tool call. PolicyLayer checks each one against your policy first, so describe_permission only ever does what you allow.

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Other read tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: allow, with a rate cap to control cost.

What does the describe_permission tool do? +

Return the detailed manifest shape and usage notes for a specific permission key.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Addon MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on describe_permission? +

Register the Addon MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for describe_permission: 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 Addon. Nothing to install.

What risk level is describe_permission? +

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

Can I rate-limit describe_permission? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the describe_permission 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 describe_permission completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for describe_permission. 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 describe_permission? +

describe_permission is provided by the Addon MCP server (@mywallpaper/addon-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Addon tool call.

Deterministic rules across all 14 Addon tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.

Free to start. No card required.

4,600+ MCP servers and 31,000+ tools scanned and risk-classified.

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