create_network · Docker MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_network does on Docker MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_network needs a policy

This tool creates a new Docker network resource, which is a reversible write operation. While networks can be deleted, the create action itself is non-destructive. The severity is medium because misconfigured networks could impact container connectivity and application availability, but the blast radius is limited to the Docker environment and the action is reversible via network deletion.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'create_network' and description states 'Create a Docker network'. The verb 'create' indicates data creation/modification.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_network Rate-limited

create_network 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_network": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_network_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

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Instant setup, no code required.

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

FAQ

Questions about create_network

What does the create_network tool do? +

Create a Docker network. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Docker 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_network? +

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

What risk level is create_network? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_network? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_network 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_network completely? +

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

create_network is provided by the Docker MCP Server MCP server (pnmice/mcp-server-docker). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.