query_nrql · Newrelic MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What query_nrql does on Newrelic

AI agents invoke query_nrql 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 query_nrql needs a policy

This tool executes arbitrary query statements, which could include data-modifying or data-exposing operations depending on NRQL capabilities. Even if primarily read-oriented, executing arbitrary query language falls under Execute due to the open-ended nature of what can be run.

From the tool's definition "Execute an NRQL query" — the tool runs arbitrary NRQL (New Relic Query Language) statements against New Relic data infrastructure.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

query_nrql Rate-limited

query_nrql 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": {
    "query_nrql": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "query_nrql_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 query_nrql

What does the query_nrql tool do? +

Execute an NRQL 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 query_nrql? +

Register the Newrelic MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for query_nrql: 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 query_nrql? +

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

Can I rate-limit query_nrql? +

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

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

query_nrql 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.