create_notebook · Databricks MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_notebook does on Databricks MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_notebook needs a policy

This tool creates a new notebook, which is a reversible modification operation (notebooks can be deleted). It does not execute code, delete resources, or move money. While it modifies workspace state, the impact is limited to notebook creation without executing arbitrary code or accessing sensitive data directly.

From the tool's definition Tool creates a new notebook in the Databricks workspace, modifying the workspace state by adding a persistent artifact. The verb 'Create' and phrase 'Create a new notebook' indicate a Write operation that adds data/resources.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_notebook Rate-limited

create_notebook 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_notebook": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_notebook_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 Databricks MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_notebook

What does the create_notebook tool do? +

Create a new notebook in the Databricks workspace. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Databricks 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_notebook? +

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

What risk level is create_notebook? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_notebook? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_notebook 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_notebook completely? +

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

create_notebook is provided by the Databricks MCP Server MCP server (samhavens/databricks-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.