list_plugins

THE RISK

Low Risk

Why list_plugins needs a policy

This tool queries and retrieves plugin metadata from a ServiceNow instance without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing any code. It is a straightforward informational read operation. Severity is low because plugin listings are typically non-sensitive administrative metadata, and misuse would only expose information rather than cause operational impact.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'list_plugins' and description states 'List ServiceNow platform plugins on an instance. Returns plugin ID, name,' indicating a retrieval operation with no modification or execution of data.

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access list_plugins gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control list_plugins

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Now Sdk Ext, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for list_plugins:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "list_plugins": {}
  }
}

list_plugins is read-only, so it stays allowed — but everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

Create a free account and register Now Sdk Ext — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

CAP THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

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All 86 Now Sdk Ext tools →

Read tools on other servers

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Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Data exfiltration → How read access becomes an exfiltration channel when chained with untrusted content.
MCP token cost → What connecting this server costs in context-window tokens on every request.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about list_plugins

What does the list_plugins tool do? +

List ServiceNow platform plugins on an instance. Returns plugin ID, name,. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Now Sdk Ext MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on list_plugins? +

Register the Now Sdk Ext MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_plugins: 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 Now Sdk Ext. Nothing to install.

What risk level is list_plugins? +

list_plugins is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit list_plugins? +

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

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

list_plugins is provided by the Now Sdk Ext MCP server (sonisoft-cnanda/now-sdk-ext-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Now Sdk Ext tool call.

Start from Now Sdk Ext, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →