create_soap_message · ServiceNow- MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_soap_message does on ServiceNow-MCP

AI agents use create_soap_message 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_soap_message needs a policy

This tool creates a new SOAP message definition in ServiceNow. While creation is reversible (unlike deletion), it modifies system configuration and could enable unauthorized external API calls if an AI agent crafts malicious SOAP messages to call external services.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Create a new outbound SOAP Message definition' with requirement for WRITE_ENABLED=true. The verb 'Create' and action of defining a new outbound message indicates data creation/modification rather than retrieval.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_soap_message Rate-limited

create_soap_message 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_soap_message": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_soap_message_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_soap_message

What does the create_soap_message tool do? +

Create a new outbound SOAP Message definition (requires WRITE_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_soap_message? +

Register the ServiceNow- MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_soap_message: 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_soap_message? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_soap_message? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_soap_message 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_soap_message completely? +

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

create_soap_message 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.