create_acl · ServiceNow- MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_acl does on ServiceNow-MCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_acl needs a policy

This tool creates new access control rules in ServiceNow, which modifies security configurations reversibly. While it doesn't delete data or execute arbitrary code, creating or modifying ACL rules affects system-wide access policies and could grant unintended permissions if misused by an AI agent.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'create_acl' and description 'Create a new ACL rule to control access to a table or field' directly indicate creation of new access control list entries. The requirement for 'SCRIPTING_ENABLED=true' indicates privileged operations.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_acl Rate-limited

create_acl 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_acl": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_acl_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 ServiceNow-MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_acl

What does the create_acl tool do? +

Create a new ACL rule to control access to a table or field (requires SCRIPTING_ENABLED=true). It is categorised as a Write tool in the ServiceNow-MCP 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_acl? +

Register the ServiceNow- MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_acl: 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 ServiceNow-MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is create_acl? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_acl? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_acl 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_acl completely? +

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

create_acl is provided by the ServiceNow- MCP server (tedorigawa001/servicenow-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.