kafka_create_topic · MCP Kafka MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What kafka_create_topic does on MCP Kafka

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why kafka_create_topic needs a policy

This tool creates a new Kafka topic, which is a reversible write operation. Topics can be deleted later, so this is not destructive. The severity is medium because creating topics in a shared Kafka cluster could impact other services that depend on topic naming conventions or cluster capacity, but the effect is limited to topic creation and does not involve data deletion, financial transactions, or arbitrary code…

From the tool's definition Tool name 'kafka_create_topic' and description 'Create a new Kafka topic (requires write access)' explicitly indicate creation of a new resource.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

kafka_create_topic Rate-limited

kafka_create_topic 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": {
    "kafka_create_topic": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "kafka_create_topic_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 MCP Kafka, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about kafka_create_topic

What does the kafka_create_topic tool do? +

Create a new Kafka topic (requires write access). It is categorised as a Write tool in the MCP Kafka MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on kafka_create_topic? +

Register the MCP Kafka MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for kafka_create_topic: 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 MCP Kafka. Nothing to install.

What risk level is kafka_create_topic? +

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

Can I rate-limit kafka_create_topic? +

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

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

kafka_create_topic is provided by the MCP Kafka MCP server (williajm/mcp_kafka). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.