MCP Tool Reference Low Risk

list_tables

List tables in a database with pagination and optional metadata

Part of the ClickHouse MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

ClickHouse/mcp-clickhouse Read

WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL

AI agents call list_tables to retrieve information from ClickHouse without modifying any data. This is common in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows where the agent needs context before taking action. Because read operations don't change state, they are generally safe to allow without restrictions — but you may still want rate limits to control API costs.

WHY ENFORCE A POLICY ON LIST_TABLES

Even though list_tables only reads data, uncontrolled read access can leak sensitive information or rack up API costs. An agent caught in a retry loop could make thousands of calls per minute. A rate limit gives you a safety net without blocking legitimate use.

RECOMMENDED POLICY

Read-only tools are safe to allow by default. No rate limit needed unless you want to control costs.

clickhouse.yaml 
tools:
  list_tables:
    rules:
      - action: allow

See the full ClickHouse policy for all 4 tools.

DETAILS

Tool Name

list_tables

Category

Read

MCP Server

ClickHouse MCP Server

Risk Level

Low

MORE CLICKHOUSE TOOLS

list_databases Read
List all databases on ClickHouse cluster
run_chdb_select_query Execute
Execute SQL queries using chDB embedded engine
run_query Execute
Execute SQL queries on ClickHouse cluster

SIMILAR READ TOOLS ON OTHER SERVERS

list_bases Airtable
List all accessible Airtable bases
list_records Airtable
Retrieve records from a table
get_record Airtable
Get a single record by its ID
search_records Airtable
Find records matching criteria
search Amplitude
Search for charts, dashboards, notebooks, experiments, events, properties, cohorts
get_from_url Amplitude
Retrieve the full object definition from any Amplitude URL

RELATED READING

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does the list_tables tool do?

List tables in a database with pagination and optional metadata. It is categorised as a Read tool in the ClickHouse MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on list_tables?

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for list_tables. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the ClickHouse MCP server.

What risk level is list_tables?

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

Can I rate-limit list_tables?

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the list_tables rule in your Intercept 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 list_tables completely?

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for list_tables. 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 list_tables?

list_tables is provided by the ClickHouse MCP server (ClickHouse/mcp-clickhouse). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

ENFORCE POLICIES ON CLICKHOUSE

Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.

VIEW ON GITHUB Full ClickHouse policy →