create_measure · PowerBI MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_measure does on PowerBI MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_measure needs a policy

This tool creates a new measure (a calculated metric) within a PowerBI table, which is a reversible write operation. It modifies the data model but does not execute arbitrary code, delete data, or move money. The blast radius is medium because misconfigured measures could affect downstream reports and dashboards, but the operation can be undone by deleting the measure.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'create_measure' and description states 'Create a measure in a PowerBI table' — the verb 'create' indicates data creation/modification.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_measure Rate-limited

create_measure 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_measure": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_measure_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 PowerBI MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_measure

What does the create_measure tool do? +

Create a measure in a PowerBI table. It is categorised as a Write tool in the PowerBI 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 create_measure? +

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

What risk level is create_measure? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_measure? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_measure 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_measure completely? +

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

create_measure is provided by the PowerBI MCP Server MCP server (pkduongsu/powerbi-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.