snow_create_variable
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.
This record as markdown: /tools/serac/snow-create-variable.md
What snow_create_variable does on Serac
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.
Why snow_create_variable is rated Medium
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
The rule that runs snow_create_variable safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Serac, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For snow_create_variable, this is the rule to start with:
snow_create_variable stays usable, but capped: an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Serac, apply this rule, and every snow_create_variable call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about snow_create_variable
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.
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