describe_object
Describe the structure of a Snowflake object
Part of the Snowflake MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.
WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL
AI agents call describe_object to retrieve information from Snowflake 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 DESCRIBE_OBJECT
Even though describe_object 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.
tools:
describe_object:
rules:
- action: allowSee the full Snowflake policy for all 10 tools.
DETAILS
MORE SNOWFLAKE TOOLS
list_objects Read list_semantic_views Read query_cortex_search Read query_cortex_analyst Read query_cortex_agent Read create_object Write create_or_alter_object Write drop_object Destructive SIMILAR READ TOOLS ON OTHER SERVERS
list_bases Airtable list_tables Airtable list_records Airtable get_record Airtable search_records Airtable search Amplitude RELATED READING
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does the describe_object tool do?
Describe the structure of a Snowflake object. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Snowflake MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
How do I enforce a policy on describe_object?
Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for describe_object. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Snowflake MCP server.
What risk level is describe_object?
describe_object is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Can I rate-limit describe_object?
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the describe_object 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 describe_object completely?
Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for describe_object. 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_object?
describe_object is provided by the Snowflake MCP server (snowflake-labs-mcp). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
ENFORCE POLICIES ON SNOWFLAKE
Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.