Get detailed information about a table
AI agents call describe_table to retrieve information from PostgreSQL MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves table metadata (column names, types, constraints, indexes, etc.) without modifying data or executing arbitrary operations. It is a read-only operation with no side effects, fitting squarely in the Read category. The server explicitly advertises 'read-only access,' and describe_table is a classic schema inspection utility.
From the tool's definition Tool is described as 'Get detailed information about a table' and is part of a server with 'secure read-only access' capabilities. The sibling tools include query execution and schema retrieval, positioning this as a metadata inspection tool.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Get detailed information about a table. It is categorised as a Read tool in the PostgreSQL MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the PostgreSQL MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for describe_table: 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 PostgreSQL MCP Server. Nothing to install.
describe_table 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_table 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_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.
describe_table is provided by the PostgreSQL MCP Server MCP server (melihbirim/pg-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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