describe_table
Describe table structure (same as SHOW COLUMNS).
This record as markdown: /tools/mukul975-mysql-mcp-server/describe-table.md
What describe_table does on Mysql
AI agents call describe_table to retrieve information from Mysql without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
Why describe_table is rated Low
The describe_table tool retrieves table schema information via SHOW COLUMNS equivalent, which is a non-destructive read operation. It has no side effects and cannot modify data. While the server includes other tools that create/drop objects and alter configurations, this specific tool is purely informational.
From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Describe table structure (same as SHOW COLUMNS)', which is a read-only query that retrieves metadata about table schema without modifying or executing any operations.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs describe_table safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Mysql, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For describe_table, this is the rule to start with:
describe_table is read-only, so it stays allowed. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Mysql, apply this rule, and every describe_table call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about describe_table
Describe table structure (same as SHOW COLUMNS). It is categorised as a Read tool in the Mysql MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Mysql 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 Mysql. 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 Mysql MCP server (mukul975/mysql-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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