create_variation · Openai Images MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_variation does on Openai Images

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_variation needs a policy

This tool creates new image files by generating variations of an existing image and saves them to disk. It creates new data (Write) rather than modifying or deleting existing files. The blast radius is medium — it consumes API credits and writes files to disk, but does not irreversibly destroy data or involve financial transactions directly.

From the tool's definition Generate variations of an existing image... Results are saved to disk and file paths are returned

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_variation Rate-limited

create_variation 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_variation": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_variation_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 Openai Images, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_variation

What does the create_variation tool do? +

Generate variations of an existing image using DALL·E 2 (the only model that supports variations). Results are saved to disk and file paths are returned. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Openai Images 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_variation? +

Register the Openai Images MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_variation: 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 Openai Images. Nothing to install.

What risk level is create_variation? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_variation? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_variation 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_variation completely? +

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

create_variation is provided by the Openai Images MCP server (sam-david/openai-images-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.