preview_ci_update · ServiceNow CMDB MCP Server MCP

WHAT IT DOES

What preview_ci_update does on ServiceNow CMDB MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why preview_ci_update needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies CMDB data reversibly—updating CIs is a Write operation. It does not irreversibly delete data (Destructive), execute arbitrary code (Execute), or move money (Financial). The medium severity reflects that unauthorized CMDB updates could affect IT infrastructure visibility and dependent systems, but preview functionality suggests safeguards exist.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'preview_ci_update' indicates modification of Configuration Items (CIs) in the ServiceNow CMDB. The 'preview' prefix suggests it shows planned changes before committing, but the core action is update-related.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

preview_ci_update Rate-limited

preview_ci_update 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": {
    "preview_ci_update": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "preview_ci_update_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 ServiceNow CMDB MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about preview_ci_update

What does the preview_ci_update tool do? +

preview_ci_update. It is categorised as a Write tool in the ServiceNow CMDB 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 preview_ci_update? +

Register the ServiceNow CMDB MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for preview_ci_update: 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 ServiceNow CMDB MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is preview_ci_update? +

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

Can I rate-limit preview_ci_update? +

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

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

preview_ci_update is provided by the ServiceNow CMDB MCP Server MCP server (ketiil/mcp-cmdb). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.