batch_request · ServiceNow MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What batch_request does on ServiceNow MCP Server

AI agents invoke batch_request to trigger actions in ServiceNow MCP Server. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why batch_request needs a policy

While batch_request itself is not destructive or financial, it operates as an execution mechanism that amplifies the blast radius of other tools on the server. An AI agent could use batch_request to execute multiple high-impact operations (create incidents, approve changes, update assets) in a single call, potentially causing widespread unintended modifications across ServiceNow before a human can intervene.

From the tool's definition The tool 'batch_request' enables execution of 'multiple API requests in a single call' against ServiceNow ITSM systems.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

batch_request Rate-limited

batch_request stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "batch_request": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "batch_request_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches ServiceNow MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about batch_request

What does the batch_request tool do? +

Execute multiple API requests in a single call. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the ServiceNow MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on batch_request? +

Register the ServiceNow MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for batch_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 ServiceNow MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is batch_request? +

batch_request is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit batch_request? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the batch_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 batch_request completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for batch_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 batch_request? +

batch_request 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.