update_va_topic

Update a Virtual Agent topic properties. [Write]

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-va-topic.md

WHAT IT DOES

What update_va_topic does on ServiceNow MCP Server

AI agents use update_va_topic 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_va_topic is rated Medium

This tool modifies Virtual Agent topic properties, which is a reversible write operation. The '[Write]' designation in the description confirms it performs data mutation. Severity is medium because updating VA topic properties could affect chatbot behavior and user interactions, but changes are typically reversible through further updates. Confidence is high due to explicit categorization in the description.

From the tool's definition Tool description explicitly states '**[Write]**' and 'Update a Virtual Agent topic properties' indicates modification of existing configuration data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

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

update_va_topic Rate-limited

update_va_topic 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_va_topic": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_va_topic_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_va_topic call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about update_va_topic

What does the update_va_topic tool do? +

Update a Virtual Agent topic properties. [Write]. 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_va_topic? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit update_va_topic? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_va_topic 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_va_topic completely? +

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

update_va_topic 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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