group_create · ArcGIS MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What group_create does on ArcGIS MCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why group_create needs a policy

This tool creates a new group resource in ArcGIS Online/Enterprise, which is a reversible write operation. It modifies the portal state by adding a new group, but the action can be undone by deleting the group. This is not destructive (group can be removed), not execute (no arbitrary code/commands), not financial.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'group_create' and description explicitly states 'Crea un grupo nuevo en el portal' (Creates a new group in the portal) and 'OPERACIÓN DE ESCRITURA' (Write operation). Creates a new resource in the ArcGIS portal.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

group_create Rate-limited

group_create 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": {
    "group_create": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "group_create_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 ArcGIS MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about group_create

What does the group_create tool do? +

Crea un grupo nuevo en el portal. OPERACIÓN DE ESCRITURA. It is categorised as a Write tool in the ArcGIS 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 group_create? +

Register the ArcGIS MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for group_create: 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 ArcGIS MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is group_create? +

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

Can I rate-limit group_create? +

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

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

group_create is provided by the ArcGIS MCP server (renemorenow/arcgis-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.