This record as markdown: /tools/serac/snow-query-filter.md
What snow_query_filter does on Serac
AI agents call snow_query_filter to retrieve information from Serac without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
Why snow_query_filter is rated Low
This tool performs query construction/formatting work. While it aids in data retrieval, the tool itself does not execute queries, fetch data, or produce side effects. It is a helper for preparing query parameters. The actual data retrieval would be a separate operation (likely via enterprise_tool_search or similar).
From the tool's definition Tool name and description indicate 'Build ServiceNow encoded query filter' — this constructs a filter/query object without executing it against a database or external system.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs snow_query_filter 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_query_filter, this is the rule to start with:
snow_query_filter is read-only, so it stays allowed. 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_query_filter call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about snow_query_filter
Build ServiceNow encoded query filter. 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_query_filter: 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_query_filter 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_query_filter 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_query_filter. 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_query_filter 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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