alter_database · Snowflake Developer MCP Server MCP

WHAT IT DOES

What alter_database does on Snowflake Developer MCP Server

AI agents use alter_database to create or update resources in Snowflake Developer MCP Server — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Snowflake Developer MCP Server environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why alter_database needs a policy

Renaming a database is a reversible metadata modification operation. It qualifies as Write rather than Execute because it performs a specific, bounded schema operation rather than running arbitrary code or commands. It is not Destructive because the operation can be undone (the database can be renamed back).

From the tool's definition Tool description states "Alter a database (rename)", which modifies database metadata reversibly. The name "alter_database" combined with context showing DDL operations (alter_schema, alter_table, alter_warehouse, create_* operations) confirms this is a…

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

alter_database Rate-limited

alter_database stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "alter_database": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "alter_database_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

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Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Snowflake Developer MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about alter_database

What does the alter_database tool do? +

Alter a database (rename). It is categorised as a Write tool in the Snowflake Developer MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on alter_database? +

Register the Snowflake Developer MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for alter_database: 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 Snowflake Developer MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is alter_database? +

alter_database is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit alter_database? +

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

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

alter_database is provided by the Snowflake Developer MCP Server MCP server (mcp-tg/snowflake-developer-kit). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.