Low Risk

describe_table

Show the schema for a specific table

Single-target operation

Part of the MySQL Database Access MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

AI agents call describe_table to retrieve information from MySQL Database Access 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_table 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.

dpflucas-mysql-mcp-server.yaml
tools:
  describe_table:
    rules:
      - action: allow

See the full MySQL Database Access policy for all 4 tools.

Tool Name describe_table
Category Read
Risk Level Low

Agents calling read-class tools like describe_table have been implicated in these attack patterns. Read the full case and prevention policy for each:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

Other tools in the Read risk category across the catalogue. The same policy patterns (rate-limit, allow) apply to each.

What does the describe_table tool do? +

Show the schema for a specific table. It is categorised as a Read tool in the MySQL Database Access MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on describe_table? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for describe_table. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the MySQL Database Access MCP server.

What risk level is describe_table? +

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

Can I rate-limit describe_table? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the describe_table rule in your Intercept 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_table completely? +

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for describe_table. 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_table? +

describe_table is provided by the MySQL Database Access MCP server (dpflucas/mysql-mcp-server). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policies on MySQL Database Access

Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.

npx -y @policylayer/intercept
github.com/policylayer/intercept →
// GET IN TOUCH

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