Get attachment content (returns base64 encoded for binary files)
AI agents call attachment_download to retrieve information from ServiceNow MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves/downloads existing attachment data without side effects. It reads ServiceNow attachment content and returns it in base64 format. There is no creation, modification, deletion, or code execution.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'attachment_download' and description 'Get attachment content (returns base64 encoded for binary files)' clearly indicate a retrieval operation with no modification, deletion, or execution of code.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Get attachment content (returns base64 encoded for binary files). It is categorised as a Read tool in the ServiceNow MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the ServiceNow MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for attachment_download: 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 ServiceNow MCP Server. Nothing to install.
attachment_download is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the attachment_download 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for attachment_download. 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.
attachment_download is provided by the ServiceNow MCP Server MCP server (schwarztim/servicenow-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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