Low Risk

describe_dataset

Get detailed metadata for a dataset: column schema, sample rows, license, spatial/temporal coverage.

Part of the Koumoul opendata server.

describe_dataset 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.

SECURE KOUMOUL OPENDATA →

Free to start. No card required.

AI agents call describe_dataset to retrieve information from Koumoul opendata 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_dataset 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_dataset": {}
  }
}

See the full Koumoul opendata policy for all 6 tools.

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

ENFORCE ON MY KOUMOUL OPENDATA →

These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access describe_dataset 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_dataset only ever does what you allow.

SECURE KOUMOUL OPENDATA →

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

What does the describe_dataset tool do? +

Get detailed metadata for a dataset: column schema, sample rows, license, spatial/temporal coverage.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Koumoul opendata MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on describe_dataset? +

Register the Koumoul opendata MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for describe_dataset: 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 Koumoul opendata. Nothing to install.

What risk level is describe_dataset? +

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

Can I rate-limit describe_dataset? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the describe_dataset 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_dataset completely? +

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

describe_dataset is provided by the Koumoul opendata MCP server (koumoul/opendata). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Koumoul opendata tool call.

Deterministic rules across all 6 Koumoul opendata 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.

// GET IN TOUCH

Have a question or want to learn more? Send us a message.

Message sent.

We'll get back to you soon.