update_group

Update a group (requires WRITE_ENABLED=true)

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/update-group.md

WHAT IT DOES

What update_group does on ServiceNow MCP Server

AI agents use update_group 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 update_group is rated Medium

This tool creates or modifies group data in ServiceNow, which is a reversible operation. It does not delete data (Destructive), execute arbitrary code (Execute), move money (Financial), or merely read data (Read). The blast radius is medium because group modifications could affect access controls and user permissions, but the operation itself is not irreversible.

From the tool's definition Tool description explicitly states 'Update a group' and requires 'WRITE_ENABLED=true', indicating it modifies data in the ServiceNow system. The action is reversible (groups can be updated again or restored).

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs update_group 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 update_group, this is the rule to start with:

update_group Rate-limited

update_group 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": {
    "update_group": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_group_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 update_group call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about update_group

What does the update_group tool do? +

Update a group (requires WRITE_ENABLED=true). 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 update_group? +

Register the ServiceNow MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update_group: 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 update_group? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_group? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_group 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 update_group completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for update_group. 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 update_group? +

update_group 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.

KEEP EXPLORING

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Guides

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