Low Risk

describe_table

Describe table structure (same as SHOW COLUMNS).

How to control describe_table ↓

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

Low Risk

This tool queries and returns table structure information (column names, types, constraints) similar to SQL's SHOW COLUMNS or DESCRIBE commands. It is a read-only operation with no side effects, no code execution, and no data modification. The low severity reflects minimal risk even if misused by an agent, as it only exposes schema metadata that is typically non-sensitive or already discoverable through other means.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'describe_table' and description 'Describe table structure (same as SHOW COLUMNS)' indicate a schema inspection operation that retrieves metadata without modifying data.

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access describe_table gives an agent:

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Mcp Windows, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for describe_table:

policy.json
{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "describe_table": {}
  }
}

describe_table is read-only, so it stays allowed — but everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

  1. Create a free account and register Mcp Windows — nothing to install.
  2. Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
  3. Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.
CAP THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

Go deeper

What does the describe_table tool do? +

Describe table structure (same as SHOW COLUMNS). It is categorised as a Read tool in the Mcp Windows MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on describe_table? +

Register the Mcp Windows 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 Mcp Windows. Nothing to install.

What risk level is describe_table? +

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

Can I rate-limit describe_table? +

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.

How do I block describe_table completely? +

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.

What MCP server provides describe_table? +

describe_table is provided by the Mcp Windows MCP server (mukul975/mcp-windows-automation). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Mcp Windows tool call.

Deterministic rules across all 441 Mcp Windows tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.

Free to start. No card required.

441 Mcp Windows tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 42,500+ MCP servers.

// GET IN TOUCH

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

Message sent.

We'll get back to you soon.