add_group_members · ServiceNow MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_group_members does on ServiceNow MCP Server

AI agents use add_group_members 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.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_group_members needs a policy

This tool performs a create/modify operation on group membership records in ServiceNow. It is reversible (members can be removed), so it does not qualify as Destructive. It does not execute arbitrary code or trigger external operations, so it is not Execute. It is not a Read operation since it modifies state.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Add members to a group in ServiceNow'. The action modifies group membership, which is a reversible data change operation.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_group_members Rate-limited

add_group_members 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": {
    "add_group_members": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_group_members_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches ServiceNow MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_group_members

What does the add_group_members tool do? +

Add members to a group in ServiceNow. 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 add_group_members? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit add_group_members? +

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

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

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