create_api_key · Awslabs Valkey MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_api_key does on Awslabs Valkey

AI agents use create_api_key to create or update resources in Awslabs Valkey — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Awslabs Valkey environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_api_key needs a policy

The tool creates a new API key, which is a reversible write operation that generates new credentials. While it modifies system state by adding a credential, it can be revoked or deleted (Write rather than Execute). The empty description reduces confidence, but the name strongly suggests credential generation.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'create_api_key' indicates creation of credentials or authentication tokens.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_api_key Rate-limited

create_api_key stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "create_api_key": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_api_key_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Awslabs Valkey, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_api_key

What does the create_api_key tool do? +

create_api_key. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Awslabs Valkey MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on create_api_key? +

Register the Awslabs Valkey MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_api_key: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Awslabs Valkey. Nothing to install.

What risk level is create_api_key? +

create_api_key is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit create_api_key? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_api_key rule in your PolicyLayer 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 create_api_key completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for create_api_key. 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 create_api_key? +

create_api_key is provided by the Awslabs Valkey MCP server (awslabs.valkey-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.