create_runbook · Runbook MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_runbook does on Runbook

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_runbook needs a policy

Creating files is a reversible write operation. The severity is medium rather than low because runbooks can contain instructions for significant operations, and an AI agent creating arbitrary runbook files could potentially set up malicious automation. However, without execution capability alone, the impact is contained to file creation.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Create a runbook file and save the content' — this is a create operation that generates new files.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_runbook Rate-limited

create_runbook 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_runbook": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_runbook_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 Runbook, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_runbook

What does the create_runbook tool do? +

Create a runbook file and save the content. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Runbook 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_runbook? +

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

What risk level is create_runbook? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_runbook? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_runbook 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_runbook completely? +

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

create_runbook is provided by the Runbook MCP server (runbookai/runbook-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.