create_csr · PKI Studio MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_csr does on PKI Studio MCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_csr needs a policy

This tool creates a new certificate signing request, which is a reversible operation (CSRs can be discarded or replaced). It does not execute arbitrary code, delete data, move money, or cause destructive effects.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it creates 'a PKCS#10 certificate signing request' from provided cryptographic materials—the verb 'create' indicates data generation/modification.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_csr Rate-limited

create_csr 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_csr": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_csr_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 PKI Studio MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_csr

What does the create_csr tool do? +

Create a PKCS#10 certificate signing request from a PKCS#8 private key, SPKI public key, and subject DN. It is categorised as a Write tool in the PKI Studio MCP 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_csr? +

Register the PKI Studio MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_csr: 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 PKI Studio MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is create_csr? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_csr? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_csr 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_csr completely? +

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

create_csr is provided by the PKI Studio MCP server (pkistudio/pkistudiomcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.