List CMDB instances by class (uses CMDB Instance API /now/cmdb/instance)
AI agents call cmdb_instance_list 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 configuration management database instances filtered by class. It performs no data modification, deletion, or code execution. The operation is a straightforward read/query of existing CMDB data, with no side effects or destructive capability. Severity is low as the impact of misuse is limited to unauthorized information disclosure of existing infrastructure data.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'cmdb_instance_list' and description 'List CMDB instances by class' indicate a query/retrieval operation. Uses CMDB Instance API for reading data without modification.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List CMDB instances by class (uses CMDB Instance API /now/cmdb/instance). 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 cmdb_instance_list: 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.
cmdb_instance_list 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 cmdb_instance_list 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 cmdb_instance_list. 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.
cmdb_instance_list 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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