Search notes:

Oracle role: SELECT_CATALOG_ROLE

SELECT_CATALOG_ROLE is an Oracle maintained role.

This role is required (among others?)

to use dbms_metadata to extract definitions from another schema.

select on the V_$% (dynamic performance) views is granted to SELECT_CATALOG_ROLE in $ORACLE_HOME/rdbms/amdin/cdfixed.sql.

select *
from
   dba_tab_privs
where
   grantee = 'SELECT_CATALOG_ROLE'
order by
   table_name;

See also

Compare this role with the select any dictionary system privilege.