MCP Tool Reference Low Risk

query_cortex_search

Query a Cortex Search Service for semantic search

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 query_cortex_search 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 QUERY_CORTEX_SEARCH

Even though query_cortex_search 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.

snowflake.yaml
tools:
  query_cortex_search:
    rules:
      - action: allow

See the full Snowflake policy for all 10 tools.

DETAILS

Tool Name

query_cortex_search

Category

Read

Risk Level

Low

MORE SNOWFLAKE TOOLS

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SIMILAR READ TOOLS ON OTHER SERVERS

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does the query_cortex_search tool do?

Query a Cortex Search Service for semantic search. 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 query_cortex_search?

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for query_cortex_search. 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 query_cortex_search?

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

Can I rate-limit query_cortex_search?

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the query_cortex_search 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 query_cortex_search completely?

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

query_cortex_search 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.