switch_instance

Switch the active ServiceNow instance for this session

SERVERServiceNow MCP Server SOURCE@aartiq/servicenow-mcp

Medium RISK CLASS

Category Write

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Rate-limitedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity verified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/servicenow-mcp-server/switch-instance.md

WHAT IT DOES

What switch_instance does on ServiceNow MCP Server

AI agents use switch_instance to create or update resources in ServiceNow MCP Server, usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your ServiceNow MCP Server environment.

RISK

Why switch_instance is rated Medium

This tool changes the active ServiceNow instance being used for the session. This is a configuration/state modification (Write) that could have high blast radius — an AI agent that switches instances could inadvertently redirect all subsequent operations (reads, writes, destructive actions) to a different environment (e.g., production instead of dev/test), potentially causing widespread unintended consequences.

From the tool's definition Switch the active ServiceNow instance for this session

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs switch_instance safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and ServiceNow MCP Server, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For switch_instance, this is the rule to start with:

switch_instance Rate-limited

switch_instance 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.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "switch_instance": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "switch_instance_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect ServiceNow MCP Server, apply this rule, and every switch_instance call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about switch_instance

What does the switch_instance tool do? +

Switch the active ServiceNow instance for this session. It is categorised as a Write tool in the ServiceNow MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on switch_instance? +

Register the ServiceNow MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for switch_instance: 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.

What risk level is switch_instance? +

switch_instance is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit switch_instance? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the switch_instance 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.

How do I block switch_instance completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for switch_instance. 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.

What MCP server provides switch_instance? +

switch_instance is provided by the ServiceNow MCP Server MCP server (@aartiq/servicenow-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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