Gets detailed information about a table - args: keyspace, table
AI agents call describeTable to retrieve information from Awslabs Valkey without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves metadata about a table in a Valkey/ElastiCache database. It queries and returns information without modifying, deleting, or executing any operations. This is a straightforward Read operation with minimal risk even if misused—worst case would be information disclosure of table structure that may already be accessible to the client.
From the tool's definition describeTable: 'Gets detailed information about a table' with args keyspace and table. The verb 'Gets' and the word 'detailed information' indicate a retrieval operation with no side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Gets detailed information about a table - args: keyspace, table. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Awslabs Valkey MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Awslabs Valkey MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for describeTable: 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 Awslabs Valkey. Nothing to install.
describeTable 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 describeTable 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 describeTable. 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.
describeTable is provided by the Awslabs Valkey MCP server (awslabs.valkey-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.