describe_database

High-level summary of a configured database: object counts (tables/views/procs) and the current user.

Server Mssql Mcp Node mssql-mcp-node
Category Read
Risk class Low
Parameters 10 required

What describe_database does on Mssql Mcp Node

AI agents call describe_database to retrieve information from Mssql Mcp Node without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.

ParameterTypeRequiredDescription
dbKey string Database key (lowercased). Optional in single-database mode. Call `list_databases` to discover valid keys.

Parameters from the server's own tool schema.

Why describe_database needs a policy

The tool retrieves and reports descriptive information about a database's structure and permissions. It does not execute commands, modify data, delete data, or trigger external operations. This is purely a metadata read operation with minimal blast radius if misused by an AI agent—it only exposes database structure and user identity information.

From the tool's definition Tool provides a 'High-level summary' of database metadata including 'object counts' and 'current user'. These are read-only informational queries with no modification or execution capabilities.

Questions about describe_database

What does the describe_database tool do? +

High-level summary of a configured database: object counts (tables/views/procs) and the current user. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Mssql Mcp Node MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

What parameters does describe_database accept? +

describe_database accepts 1 parameter: dbKey. The full parameter table on this page comes from the server's own tool schema.

How do I enforce a policy on describe_database? +

Register the Mssql Mcp Node MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for describe_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 Mssql Mcp Node. Nothing to install.

What risk level is describe_database? +

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

Can I rate-limit describe_database? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the describe_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 describe_database completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for describe_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 describe_database? +

describe_database is provided by the Mssql Mcp Node MCP server (mssql-mcp-node). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

// LOOK UP ANOTHER 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.

Teams ship this data inside their own products. See what a licence covers →

// GET IN TOUCH

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

Message sent.

We'll get back to you soon.