Add a question variable to a catalog item: name, question text, input type (string, multi_line_text, select_box, checkbox, reference), mandatory flag, and display order. Writes to item_option_new under the given cat_item.
AI agents use snow_create_variable to create or update resources in Serac — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Serac environment.
This tool creates or modifies catalog item metadata (question variables) reversibly. It does not execute code, delete data, or move money. The 'Writes to item_option_new' phrase confirms write-class behavior.
From the tool's definition 'Add a question variable to a catalog item' and 'Writes to item_option_new' — the tool creates new configuration data in ServiceNow's catalog system.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Add a question variable to a catalog item: name, question text, input type (string, multi_line_text, select_box, checkbox, reference), mandatory flag, and display order. Writes to item_option_new under the given cat_item. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Serac MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the Serac MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for snow_create_variable: 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 Serac. Nothing to install.
snow_create_variable is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the snow_create_variable 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 snow_create_variable. 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.
snow_create_variable is provided by the Serac MCP server (serac-labs/serac). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
snow_create_variable is one line of Serac's registry record.
The record carries the whole server: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, every tool classified, recommended policy — re-checked continuously.
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