add_entity_tag · CiviCRM MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_entity_tag does on CiviCRM MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_entity_tag needs a policy

Adding a tag to an entity in CiviCRM creates or modifies metadata/labels associated with a contact or other entity. This is a reversible operation (tags can be removed), making it Write category rather than Read (which retrieves without modification) or Destructive (which cannot be undone).

From the tool's definition Tool name 'add_entity_tag' and description 'Add a tag to an entity' indicate a modification operation. The sibling tools on the server include 'create_*' (Write) and 'delete_*' (Destructive) operations, positioning this as a reversible data modification.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_entity_tag Rate-limited

add_entity_tag 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": {
    "add_entity_tag": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_entity_tag_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 CiviCRM MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_entity_tag

What does the add_entity_tag tool do? +

Add a tag to an entity. It is categorised as a Write tool in the CiviCRM MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on add_entity_tag? +

Register the CiviCRM MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_entity_tag: 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 CiviCRM MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is add_entity_tag? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_entity_tag? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the add_entity_tag 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 add_entity_tag completely? +

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

add_entity_tag is provided by the CiviCRM MCP Server MCP server (johncallhub/civicrm-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.