create_paragraph · Zeppelin MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_paragraph does on Zeppelin

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_paragraph needs a policy

This tool creates new content (paragraphs) within a Zeppelin notebook, which is a reversible modification. It does not execute code, delete data, or move money. While it can be part of a workflow that leads to code execution via run_paragraph, the tool itself merely creates/adds content.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Add a new paragraph to a notebook', which is a create operation that modifies notebook content reversibly.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_paragraph Rate-limited

create_paragraph 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": {
    "create_paragraph": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_paragraph_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 Zeppelin, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_paragraph

What does the create_paragraph tool do? +

Add a new paragraph to a notebook. Optionally specify text and position index. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Zeppelin MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on create_paragraph? +

Register the Zeppelin MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_paragraph: 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 Zeppelin. Nothing to install.

What risk level is create_paragraph? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_paragraph? +

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

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

create_paragraph is provided by the Zeppelin MCP server (mihneamanolache/zeppelin-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.