annotate_test · Grafana MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What annotate_test does on Grafana MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why annotate_test needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies annotations, which are metadata overlays on Grafana dashboards and metrics. Annotations are reversible changes (can be edited or deleted) and have no direct side effects on the underlying metrics, data, or system state. The scope is limited to adding metadata for test events on a sensor.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'annotate_test' and description 'Add a Grafana annotation on a sensor for test events' indicate creation of annotation metadata.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

annotate_test Rate-limited

annotate_test 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": {
    "annotate_test": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "annotate_test_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 Grafana MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about annotate_test

What does the annotate_test tool do? +

Add a Grafana annotation on a sensor for test events. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Grafana 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 annotate_test? +

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

What risk level is annotate_test? +

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

Can I rate-limit annotate_test? +

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

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

annotate_test is provided by the Grafana MCP Server MCP server (quanticsoul4772/grafana-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.