run_atf_test · ServiceNow- MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What run_atf_test does on ServiceNow-MCP

AI agents invoke run_atf_test 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_test needs a policy

This tool executes automated tests, which is a code execution operation. The outcome depends on the test's logic and can have side effects on the ServiceNow instance (creating/modifying/deleting data, triggering workflows, etc.). While not inherently destructive by design, ATF tests can be configured to perform any operation, making this an Execute risk.

From the tool's definition Tool name and description: 'run_atf_test' with 'Execute a single ATF test'. ATF refers to ServiceNow's Automated Test Framework, which runs test suites that can perform arbitrary operations against the ServiceNow instance.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

run_atf_test Rate-limited

run_atf_test 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_test": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "run_atf_test_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_test

What does the run_atf_test tool do? +

Execute a single ATF test (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_test? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit run_atf_test? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the run_atf_test 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_test completely? +

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

run_atf_test 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.