Return the full context for a named database — schema (tables, columns, types), description, and agent notes. Call this at the start of any session involving an existing database.
AI agents call describe_database to retrieve information from Instant Db without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool only queries and retrieves existing database schema information and metadata. It has no side effects, does not modify data, execute code, delete records, or commit financial actions. It is informational only, making it a Read category tool with low severity risk.
From the tool's definition Tool 'describe_database' retrieves and returns database metadata: 'schema (tables, columns, types), description, and agent notes.' The verb 'Return' and action of retrieving information without modification indicate a read-only query.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Return the full context for a named database — schema (tables, columns, types), description, and agent notes. Call this at the start of any session involving an existing database. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Instant Db MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Instant Db 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 Instant Db. Nothing to install.
describe_database 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_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.
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.
describe_database is provided by the Instant Db MCP server (urbushey/mcp-db). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
describe_database is one line of Instant Db's registry record.
The record carries the whole server: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, every tool classified, recommended policy — re-checked continuously.
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