AI agents call snow_file_download to retrieve information from Serac without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves/fetches an attachment from ServiceNow without creating, modifying, or destroying data. It is a Read operation. Severity is medium rather than low because downloaded attachments may contain sensitive information (credentials, PII, business data) that could be exfiltrated if an AI agent misuses this tool, but the tool itself performs no destructive or irreversible action.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'snow_file_download' and description 'Download an attachment' indicate retrieval of existing data without modification or deletion.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Download an attachment. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Serac MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Serac MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for snow_file_download: 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_file_download 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 snow_file_download 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_file_download. 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_file_download 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_file_download 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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