update_data_source · Notion MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_data_source does on Notion MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why update_data_source needs a policy

The tool modifies data (a Notion data source) but does not delete or irreversibly destroy it. Updates are reversible through further modifications or rollback in many systems. In the Notion API context, updating a data source is a write operation affecting configuration or content without permanent removal.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'update_data_source' and description 'Update a data source' indicate modification of existing data. This is a reversible write operation.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_data_source Rate-limited

update_data_source 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": {
    "update_data_source": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_data_source_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 Notion MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about update_data_source

What does the update_data_source tool do? +

Update a data source. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Notion 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 update_data_source? +

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

What risk level is update_data_source? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_data_source? +

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

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

update_data_source is provided by the Notion MCP Server MCP server (lrgex/notion-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.