Get a problem record
AI agents call problems_get 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 problem records from ServiceNow's ITSM system. It performs a read-only query operation with no side effects. The 'get' verb and singular 'record' retrieval confirm it retrieves existing data without creating, modifying, or deleting anything. Blast radius is minimal—returning problem data that an authorized user would already have access to via normal ServiceNow UI.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'problems_get' and description 'Get a problem record' indicate retrieval of existing data without modification. No language suggesting mutation, deletion, or execution of operations.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Get a problem record. 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 problems_get: 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.
problems_get 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 problems_get 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 problems_get. 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.
problems_get 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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