OpenFGA MCP Server: Empowering AI Applications through Standardized Protocol

Overview: What is OpenFGA MCP Server?

OpenFGA MCP Server, an experimental implementation of Model Context Protocol (MCP), integrates directly into large language models (LLMs) like Claude Desktop to facilitate advanced authorization and fine-grained controls. This server acts as a middleware, enabling LLMs to interact with OpenFGA stores in a standardized manner, thereby unlocking sophisticated authorization mechanisms for agentic AI applications.

🔧 Core Features & MCP Capabilities

Store Management

• create_store: Enables the creation of new stores within OpenFGA.
• list_stores: Provides a comprehensive list of all available stores.
• get_store: Fetches detailed information about a specific store by name or ID.
• delete_store: Removes a specified store and its associated data in clean, secure manner.
• get_store_id_by_name: Retrieves the unique identifier for a store based on its name.

Authorization Model Management

• write_authorization_model: Configures and writes rules governing access to stores and relationships within those stores.
• read_authorization_models: Lists all existing authorization models across available stores.
• get_authorization_model: Fetches specific versions of an authorization model for detailed analysis or updates.

Relationship Tuples Management

• write_relation_tuples: Adds new relationship tuples that define how entities are connected in terms of access and permissions.
• read_relation_tuples: Retrieves existing relationships to verify accessibility and permissions between users, objects, or both.

Relationship Queries

• check: Verifies if a user holds specific relationships with particular objects under given authorization models.
• list_objects: Lists all objects accessible by a user based on defined rules.
• list_users: Identifies all users who possess certain relationship roles relative to an object of interest.

⚙️ MCP Architecture & Protocol Implementation

OpenFGA MCP Server leverages the Model Context Protocol to streamline the interaction between AI applications and OpenFGA services. This protocol ensures seamless data exchange by standardizing message formats, transactional semantics, and communication channels necessary for effective authorization operations. By following this architecture, users can benefit from a unified approach that simplifies development while enhancing security protocols.

🚀 Getting Started with Installation

To launch the MCP server using UVX (Astral’s command-line utility), simply run:

uvx openfga-mcp@latest

Alternatively, to integrate it seamlessly into your applications via Smithery, execute these commands:

npx -y @smithery/cli install @evansims/openfga-mcp --client claude

Ensure you have specified all necessary configurations before starting:

• --openfga_url: Points to your OpenFGA server endpoint.
• --openfga_store: Specifies the ID of the target store where operations will be performed.
• --openfga_model: Identifies the correct authorization model for enforcing access controls.

💡 Key Use Cases in AI Workflows

Use Case 1: Fine-Grained Access Control

Imagine an environment where multiple entities must access sensitive information. Using OpenFGA MCP Server, each entity can be granted precisely tailored permissions that align with their roles and responsibilities. For instance, a developer might view logs but not modify production data while a product manager has broader oversight capabilities.

Use Case 2: Agentic AI Management

Incorporating this server into Agentic AI allows for granular manipulation of access rules at runtime. This flexibility is crucial when building dynamic and adaptive security policies that evolve with user actions or contextual changes, ensuring robust protection across diverse operational landscapes.

🔌 Integration with MCP Clients

The OpenFGA MCP Server supports a range of tools including:

• Claude Desktop: Full support for advanced features like store management and relationship queries.
• Continue: Similar compatibility as Claude but may have some minor limitations due to platform-specific optimizations.
• Cursor: Limited direct access options; primarily useful for querying data.

📊 Performance & Compatibility Matrix

MCP Client	Resources	Tools	Prompts
Claude Desktop	✅	✅	✅
Continue	✅	✅	✅
Cursor	❌	✅	❌

🛠️ Advanced Configuration & Security

For advanced setups, consider these environment variables:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "openfga-mcp": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["openfga-mcp@latest"],
      "env": {
        "API_KEY": "your-api-key"
      }
    }
  }
}

Ensure robust security practices, such as properly securing API credentials and monitoring access logs.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I integrate OpenFGA MCP Server with Claude Desktop?

   • Follow the outlined steps by adding the server details to your Claude’s configuration file under mcpServers.

2. What are the primary benefits of using MCP for AI applications?

   • It standardizes interactions, facilitating easier development and maintenance while enhancing security profiles.

3. Can OpenFGA MCP Server be used with Other Platforms?

   • Yes, but please refer to the compatibility matrix for detailed information on supported clients.

4. Are there restrictions when writing Authorization Models?

   • No explicit restrictions exist; however, careful planning is essential to avoid policy conflicts or oversights.

5. How does OpenFGA MCP Server handle data privacy concerns?

   • Through rigorous validation and masking techniques during transactions to ensure compliance with privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA.

👨‍💻 Development & Contribution Guidelines

To get started developing your own contributions, follow these steps:

make setup

Run the development server with custom configurations enabled:

make run \
  --openfga_url="http://127.0.0.1:8080" \
  --openfga_store="your-store-id" \
  --openfga_model="your-model-id"

Advanced users can utilize the MCP Inspector for detailed debugging and testing:

make dev

🌐 MCP Ecosystem & Resources

For more information on Model Context Protocol, visit modelcontextprotocol.io. Explore additional resources and join community discussions on GitHub to stay updated with the latest developments.

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This documentation positions OpenFGA MCP Server as a critical tool for integrating robust authorization mechanisms into AI applications, ensuring secure and scalable deployment across various platforms.