approve_workorder · Maximo Enterprise MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What approve_workorder does on Maximo Enterprise MCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why approve_workorder needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies data reversibly by changing work order status from pending to approved. While it affects business workflows and requires elevated privileges, the action can be undone (work orders can be reopened or rejected).

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Approve a work order (status → APPR)', indicating modification of work order status in an enterprise asset management system.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

approve_workorder Rate-limited

approve_workorder 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": {
    "approve_workorder": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "approve_workorder_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 Maximo Enterprise MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about approve_workorder

What does the approve_workorder tool do? +

Approve a work order (status → APPR). Requires supervisor role. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Maximo Enterprise MCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on approve_workorder? +

Register the Maximo Enterprise MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for approve_workorder: 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 Maximo Enterprise MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is approve_workorder? +

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

Can I rate-limit approve_workorder? +

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

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

approve_workorder is provided by the Maximo Enterprise MCP server (maximo-enterprise-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.