k8s_create_secret · Kubernetes MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What k8s_create_secret does on Kubernetes MCP Server

AI agents use k8s_create_secret to create or update resources in Kubernetes MCP Server — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Kubernetes MCP Server environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why k8s_create_secret needs a policy

This tool creates new Kubernetes secrets, which is a reversible data modification operation (secrets can be updated or deleted). However, the high severity reflects that misuse could store malicious credentials, compromise cluster security, or enable unauthorized access to sensitive systems. The blast radius is substantial in a production Kubernetes environment, hence 'high' rather than 'medium'.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'k8s_create_secret' and description states it creates 'a generic secret from literal values'. Creation of secrets in Kubernetes is a write operation that stores sensitive data (e.g., credentials, API keys, passwords) in the cluster.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

k8s_create_secret Rate-limited

k8s_create_secret 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": {
    "k8s_create_secret": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "k8s_create_secret_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 Kubernetes MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about k8s_create_secret

What does the k8s_create_secret tool do? +

Create a generic secret from literal values. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Kubernetes 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 k8s_create_secret? +

Register the Kubernetes MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for k8s_create_secret: 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 Kubernetes MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is k8s_create_secret? +

k8s_create_secret is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit k8s_create_secret? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the k8s_create_secret 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 k8s_create_secret completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for k8s_create_secret. 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 k8s_create_secret? +

k8s_create_secret is provided by the Kubernetes MCP Server MCP server (mjrestivo16/mcp-kubernetes). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.