lookup_table

THE RISK

Low Risk

Why lookup_table needs a policy

This tool retrieves metadata about available ServiceNow tables without modifying or deleting any data. It is a read-only query operation with minimal blast radius—it only exposes information about table structure, not sensitive data itself. Even if misused by an AI agent, the worst outcome is discovering table names, which is non-destructive.

From the tool's definition Tool 'lookup_table' performs a search/query operation that 'Search for ServiceNow tables by name or label' and 'Queries the sys_db_object table'. No modifications, deletions, or side effects are described.

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

POLICY

How to control lookup_table

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 lookup_table:

policy.json

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

lookup_table 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

More Now Sdk Ext tools

Destructive cancel_flow Cancel a running or paused flow execution by its context ID. Destructive query_delete_records Find records matching an encoded query and delete them all. Execute aggregate_grouped Run aggregate functions (COUNT, AVG, MIN, MAX, SUM) grouped by a field on any Execute execute_action Execute a ServiceNow Flow Designer action by scoped name. Execute execute_flow Execute a published ServiceNow Flow Designer flow by scoped name. Execute execute_script Execute JavaScript on a ServiceNow instance using Scripts - Background Execute execute_subflow Execute a ServiceNow Flow Designer subflow by scoped name. Execute run_atf_test Execute a single ServiceNow ATF (Automated Test Framework) test by its sys_id.

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 lookup_table

What does the lookup_table tool do? +

Search for ServiceNow tables by name or label. Queries the sys_db_object table. 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 lookup_table? +

Register the Now Sdk Ext MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for lookup_table: 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 lookup_table? +

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

Can I rate-limit lookup_table? +

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

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

lookup_table 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 →