nerdgraph_query · Newrelic MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What nerdgraph_query does on Newrelic

AI agents invoke nerdgraph_query to trigger actions in Newrelic. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why nerdgraph_query needs a policy

This tool runs arbitrary NerdGraph GraphQL queries supplied by the caller. GraphQL mutations can create, modify, or delete resources across the entire New Relic account (alerts, dashboards, data, configurations, etc.). Because the query is user-defined and can include destructive mutations, the blast radius is very high.

From the tool's definition "Execute a custom NerdGraph GraphQL query" — the word 'Execute' and 'custom' indicate arbitrary GraphQL operations

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

nerdgraph_query Rate-limited

nerdgraph_query stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "nerdgraph_query": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "nerdgraph_query_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Newrelic, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about nerdgraph_query

What does the nerdgraph_query tool do? +

Execute a custom NerdGraph GraphQL query. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Newrelic MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on nerdgraph_query? +

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

What risk level is nerdgraph_query? +

nerdgraph_query is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit nerdgraph_query? +

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

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

nerdgraph_query is provided by the Newrelic MCP server (@piekstras/newrelic-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.