This record as markdown: /tools/io-github-portel-dev-ncp/describe-resource.md
What describe_resource does on Ncp
AI agents call describe_resource to retrieve information from Ncp without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
Why describe_resource is rated Low
This tool retrieves information about Kubernetes resources (analogous to 'kubectl describe'). It queries and returns data about resource state, configuration, and metadata with no side effects. This is a read-only operation with minimal security impact unless sensitive data is exposed in resource descriptions.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'describe_resource' and description 'Describe a Kubernetes resource' indicate retrieval and inspection of resource metadata without modification.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs describe_resource safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Ncp, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For describe_resource, this is the rule to start with:
describe_resource is read-only, so it stays allowed. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Ncp, apply this rule, and every describe_resource call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about describe_resource
Describe a Kubernetes resource. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Ncp MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Ncp MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for describe_resource: 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 Ncp. Nothing to install.
describe_resource 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 describe_resource 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 describe_resource. 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.
describe_resource is provided by the Ncp MCP server (@portel/ncp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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