create_item · Directus MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_item does on Directus MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_item needs a policy

The tool creates new records in a Directus collection, which is a reversible write operation. It does not delete data (ruling out Destructive), execute arbitrary code (ruling out Execute), move money (ruling out Financial), or merely read data (ruling out Read).

From the tool's definition Tool name 'create_item' with description stating 'Create a new item in a collection. Provide the item data as key-value pairs.' This is a CREATE operation that adds new data reversibly.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_item Rate-limited

create_item 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": {
    "create_item": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_item_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 Directus MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_item

What does the create_item tool do? +

Create a new item in a collection. Provide the item data as key-value pairs. Example: {collection:. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Directus 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 create_item? +

Register the Directus MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_item: 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 Directus MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is create_item? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_item? +

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

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

create_item is provided by the Directus MCP Server MCP server (skeyelab/directus-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.