switch_catalog_schema

THE RISK

Medium Risk

Why switch_catalog_schema needs a policy

Switching the active catalog and schema changes the session/connection state in Databricks. This is a Write-level action as it modifies the active database context (a reversible configuration change), not a destructive operation. Misuse could cause queries to run against unintended data sources, but it doesn't delete data or execute arbitrary code.

From the tool's definition Switch to a different Databricks catalog and schema

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

POLICY

How to control switch_catalog_schema

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

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "switch_catalog_schema": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "switch_catalog_schema_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

switch_catalog_schema stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

Create a free account and register MCP Data Visualization Server — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

More MCP Data Visualization Server tools

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All 28 MCP Data Visualization Server tools →

Write tools on other servers

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Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Argument validation → Checking tool call arguments against schema and policy before they run.
Scoped token → Per-person credentials that grant a defined subset of servers and tools.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about switch_catalog_schema

What does the switch_catalog_schema tool do? +

Switch to a different Databricks catalog and schema. It is categorised as a Write tool in the MCP Data Visualization Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on switch_catalog_schema? +

Register the MCP Data Visualization Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for switch_catalog_schema: 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 Data Visualization Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is switch_catalog_schema? +

switch_catalog_schema is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit switch_catalog_schema? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the switch_catalog_schema 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 switch_catalog_schema completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for switch_catalog_schema. 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 switch_catalog_schema? +

switch_catalog_schema is provided by the MCP Data Visualization Server MCP server (xoniks/mcp-visualization-duckdb). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every MCP Data Visualization Server tool call.

Start from MCP Data Visualization Server, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →