upsert_approval_rule · Sanka MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What upsert_approval_rule does on Sanka MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why upsert_approval_rule needs a policy

This is a Write operation because it creates or updates (upserts) approval rules—reversible configuration changes. It does not execute arbitrary code, delete data, or move money. However, the medium severity reflects that misconfigured approval rules could disrupt business workflows or inadvertently block critical operations if an AI agent applies inappropriate block_targets like document_download or delivery_send.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'upsert_approval_rule' and description 'Create or update an approval rule' indicate reversible data modification. The tool modifies workflow configuration by creating or updating approval rules that govern how documents and actions are processed.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

upsert_approval_rule Rate-limited

upsert_approval_rule 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": {
    "upsert_approval_rule": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "upsert_approval_rule_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 Sanka MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about upsert_approval_rule

What does the upsert_approval_rule tool do? +

Create or update an approval rule for an object. Use block_targets to choose what waits for approval, for example document_download, delivery_send, status_sent, export, or convert. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Sanka 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 upsert_approval_rule? +

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

What risk level is upsert_approval_rule? +

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

Can I rate-limit upsert_approval_rule? +

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

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

upsert_approval_rule is provided by the Sanka MCP Server MCP server (sankahq/sanka-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.