MCP Tool Reference High Risk

run_query

Execute SQL statement on Snowflake

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

snowflake-labs-mcp Execute

WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL

AI agents invoke run_query to trigger processes or run actions in Snowflake. Execute operations can have side effects beyond the immediate call — triggering builds, sending notifications, or starting workflows. Rate limits and argument validation are essential to prevent runaway execution.

WHY ENFORCE A POLICY ON RUN_QUERY

run_query can trigger processes with real-world consequences. An uncontrolled agent might start dozens of builds, send mass notifications, or kick off expensive compute jobs. Intercept enforces rate limits and validates arguments to keep execution within safe bounds.

RECOMMENDED POLICY

Execute tools trigger processes. Rate-limit and validate arguments to prevent unintended side effects.

snowflake.yaml 
tools:
  run_query:
    rules:
      - action: allow
        rate_limit:
          max: 10
          window: 60
        validate:
          required_args: true

See the full Snowflake policy for all 10 tools.

DETAILS

Tool Name

run_query

Category

Execute

MCP Server

Snowflake MCP Server

Risk Level

High

MORE SNOWFLAKE TOOLS

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list_semantic_views Read
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query_cortex_search Read
Query a Cortex Search Service for semantic search
query_cortex_analyst Read
Query Cortex Analyst for natural language to SQL conversion
query_cortex_agent Read
Query a Cortex Agent Service for agentic orchestration
create_object Write
Create a new Snowflake object
create_or_alter_object Write
Create or alter a Snowflake object

View all 10 tools →

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install_wda Appium
Install and launch WebDriverAgent on an iOS simulator
auth0_deploy_action Auth0
Deploy an Auth0 action
auth0_publish_form Auth0
Publish an Auth0 form

RELATED READING

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does the run_query tool do?

Execute SQL statement on Snowflake. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Snowflake MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on run_query?

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

run_query is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit run_query?

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

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

run_query 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.

VIEW ON GITHUB Full Snowflake policy →