alfred_create_api_key · Alfred MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What alfred_create_api_key does on Alfred MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why alfred_create_api_key needs a policy

This tool creates authentication credentials (API keys). While the creation itself is reversible via deletion, API keys are sensitive security artifacts. The high severity reflects the risk that a newly created key could be misused to authenticate unauthorized API calls to the Alfred system, potentially enabling further attacks through the sibling tools (execute skills, manage connections, etc.).

From the tool's definition The tool description states it will 'Create a new API key' which is a persistent creation action. API keys are security credentials that grant access to systems and cannot be easily revoked retroactively once exposed.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

alfred_create_api_key Rate-limited

alfred_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": {
    "alfred_create_api_key": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "alfred_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 Alfred MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about alfred_create_api_key

What does the alfred_create_api_key tool do? +

Create a new API key for authenticating with the Alfred API. The API key will only be shown once - save it securely!. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Alfred 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 alfred_create_api_key? +

Register the Alfred MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for alfred_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 Alfred MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is alfred_create_api_key? +

alfred_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 alfred_create_api_key? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the alfred_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 alfred_create_api_key completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for alfred_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 alfred_create_api_key? +

alfred_create_api_key is provided by the Alfred MCP Server MCP server (lumberjack-so/alfred-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.