create_candidate · CATS MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_candidate does on CATS MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_candidate needs a policy

Creating a candidate record is a reversible write operation that adds data to the ATS. While it has moderate blast radius (could bulk-create fake candidates, pollute the database, impact recruiting workflows), it's not destructive (records can be deleted) or execute-level arbitrary code.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'create_candidate' indicates creation of a new candidate record in the CATS applicant tracking system. The tool description is empty, but the name and context within a recruiting/HR system make the Write category appropriate.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_candidate Rate-limited

create_candidate 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_candidate": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_candidate_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 CATS MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_candidate

What does the create_candidate tool do? +

create_candidate. It is categorised as a Write tool in the CATS 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_candidate? +

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

What risk level is create_candidate? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_candidate? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_candidate 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_candidate completely? +

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

create_candidate is provided by the CATS MCP Server MCP server (vanman2024/cats-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.