run_atf_suite · ServiceNow- MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What run_atf_suite does on ServiceNow-MCP

AI agents invoke run_atf_suite to trigger actions in ServiceNow-MCP. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why run_atf_suite needs a policy

This tool triggers execution of an ATF (Automated Test Framework) test suite in ServiceNow. While test execution itself is generally controlled and bounded, it runs arbitrary test logic that could have side effects on the ServiceNow instance (test data creation, record modifications, integrations invoked by tests).

From the tool's definition Tool name 'run_atf_suite' and description 'Execute an ATF test suite' explicitly indicate execution of an automated test framework suite. The description uses the verb 'Execute', which is the primary indicator for the Execute category.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

run_atf_suite Rate-limited

run_atf_suite stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "run_atf_suite": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "run_atf_suite_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-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 run_atf_suite

What does the run_atf_suite tool do? +

Execute an ATF test suite (requires ATF_ENABLED=true). It is categorised as a Execute tool in the ServiceNow-MCP MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on run_atf_suite? +

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

run_atf_suite is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit run_atf_suite? +

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

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

run_atf_suite 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.