create_database · Metabase MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_database does on Metabase MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_database needs a policy

This tool creates new database connections, which is a reversible write operation (connections can be deleted or modified later). It does not delete data (not Destructive), does not move money (not Financial), and does not execute arbitrary code or queries (not Execute).

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Add a new database connection to Metabase' - this creates a new resource (database connection) in the system, which is a write operation. The tool modifies system configuration by establishing new data source connections.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_database Rate-limited

create_database 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_database": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_database_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 Metabase MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_database

What does the create_database tool do? +

Add a new database connection to Metabase - use this to connect new data sources, establish analytical pipelines, or expand data access. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Metabase MCP Server 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_database? +

Register the Metabase MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_database: 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 Metabase MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is create_database? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_database? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_database 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_database completely? +

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

create_database is provided by the Metabase MCP Server MCP server (thangnm93/metabase-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.