create_downtime · Datadog MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_downtime does on Datadog MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_downtime needs a policy

This tool creates a new downtime schedule, which is a reversible configuration change in Datadog. It does not delete data (Destructive), execute arbitrary code (Execute), move money (Financial), or merely read data (Read). Creating a downtime is a write operation that can be undone by deleting the downtime.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'create_downtime' and description 'Create a scheduled downtime' indicate creation of a new configuration object that modifies monitoring behavior.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_downtime Rate-limited

create_downtime 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_downtime": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_downtime_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 Datadog MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_downtime

What does the create_downtime tool do? +

Create a scheduled downtime. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Datadog 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_downtime? +

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

What risk level is create_downtime? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_downtime? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_downtime 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_downtime completely? +

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

create_downtime is provided by the Datadog MCP Server MCP server (ppandrangi/datadog-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.