update_datasource

Update non-secret datasource fields by UID. Omitted fields are preserved. For secrets, direct the user to the Grafana UI.

Server Mcp Grafana Npx mcp-grafana-npx
Category Write
Risk class Medium
Parameters 81 required

What update_datasource does on Mcp Grafana Npx

AI agents use update_datasource to create or update resources in Mcp Grafana Npx — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Mcp Grafana Npx environment.

ParameterTypeRequiredDescription
uid string Yes UID of the datasource to update
url string Base URL
name string Display name
access string proxy or direct
database string Database name
jsonData object Non-secret plugin settings; replaces existing jsonData when set
basicAuth boolean Enable basic auth
isDefault boolean Make this the default datasource

Parameters from the server's own tool schema.

Why update_datasource needs a policy

The tool modifies datasource configuration in Grafana (a monitoring/observability platform) by updating existing fields. This is a reversible write operation—changes can be undone by updating fields again or restoring prior configuration. It does not delete, execute code, move funds, or cause irreversible damage.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'update_datasource' and description states 'Update non-secret datasource fields by UID.' This indicates modification of existing datasource configuration data.

Risk signalsAccepts URL/endpoint input (url)

Questions about update_datasource

What does the update_datasource tool do? +

Update non-secret datasource fields by UID. Omitted fields are preserved. For secrets, direct the user to the Grafana UI. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Mcp Grafana Npx MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

What parameters does update_datasource accept? +

update_datasource accepts 8 parameters: uid, url, name, access, database, jsonData, basicAuth, isDefault. Required: uid. The full parameter table on this page comes from the server's own tool schema.

How do I enforce a policy on update_datasource? +

Register the Mcp Grafana Npx MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update_datasource: 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 Mcp Grafana Npx. Nothing to install.

What risk level is update_datasource? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_datasource? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_datasource 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_datasource completely? +

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

update_datasource is provided by the Mcp Grafana Npx MCP server (mcp-grafana-npx). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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