create_collection · SparrowDesk MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_collection does on SparrowDesk

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_collection needs a policy

This tool creates a new collection (folder/category) in the knowledge base, which is a write operation. It does not execute code, delete data, move money, or have irreversible consequences. The action is reversible—collections can be deleted or reorganized. The blast radius is low as it only organizes knowledge base structure without affecting tickets, contacts, or financial systems.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'create_collection' and description 'Create a KB collection' indicate data creation. The verb 'Create' combined with 'collection' (a container for knowledge base articles) shows reversible data modification.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_collection Rate-limited

create_collection 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_collection": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_collection_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 SparrowDesk, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_collection

What does the create_collection tool do? +

Create a KB collection under a help center (optionally nested under parentCollectionId). It is categorised as a Write tool in the SparrowDesk 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_collection? +

Register the SparrowDesk MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_collection: 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 SparrowDesk. Nothing to install.

What risk level is create_collection? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_collection? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_collection 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_collection completely? +

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

create_collection is provided by the SparrowDesk MCP server (sparrowdesk/sparrowdesk-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.