create_relation · Directus MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_relation does on Directus MCP Server

AI agents use create_relation 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_relation needs a policy

This tool creates new relational metadata in the database schema. While reversible (relations can be deleted), it modifies the foundational structure of the Directus instance by establishing M2O, O2M, or M2M relationships between collections. This is a Write operation rather than Destructive because schema changes via relation creation are typically reversible.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'create_relation' and description states 'Create a relation between collections'. The verb 'Create' indicates a write operation that modifies schema by establishing relationships between collections.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_relation Rate-limited

create_relation 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_relation": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_relation_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_relation

What does the create_relation tool do? +

Create a relation between collections (M2O, O2M, or M2M). For M2O: specify collection, field, and related_collection. For O2M: also include meta.one_field. Example M2O: {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_relation? +

Register the Directus MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_relation: 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_relation? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_relation? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_relation 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_relation completely? +

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

create_relation 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.