rbac_create_approval_request · n8n Workflow Builder MCP

WHAT IT DOES

What rbac_create_approval_request does on n8n Workflow Builder

AI agents use rbac_create_approval_request to create or update resources in n8n Workflow Builder — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your n8n Workflow Builder environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why rbac_create_approval_request needs a policy

This tool creates approval request records for critical operations—a reversible write operation that establishes new governance data. While it doesn't execute workflows or delete data, it modifies system state by creating approval objects. Severity is high because misuse could create unauthorized approval trails or bypass intended governance controls.

From the tool's definition Tool name contains 'create' and description states 'Create an approval request', indicating data creation. The context of 'critical operation' and 'approval request' suggests this modifies workflow state by creating audit/governance records.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

rbac_create_approval_request Rate-limited

rbac_create_approval_request 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": {
    "rbac_create_approval_request": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "rbac_create_approval_request_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 n8n Workflow Builder, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about rbac_create_approval_request

What does the rbac_create_approval_request tool do? +

📝 Create an approval request for a critical operation. It is categorised as a Write tool in the n8n Workflow Builder MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on rbac_create_approval_request? +

Register the n8n Workflow Builder MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for rbac_create_approval_request: 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 n8n Workflow Builder. Nothing to install.

What risk level is rbac_create_approval_request? +

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

Can I rate-limit rbac_create_approval_request? +

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

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

rbac_create_approval_request is provided by the n8n Workflow Builder MCP server (schimmilab/n8n-workflow-builder). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.