OWASP MCP Governance and Risk Framework (github.com)

The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) has released a new governance and risk framework specifically designed for organizations adopting the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which facilitates AI agents' interactions with various tools and data sources. This framework is critical as it addresses the governance challenges arising from the rapid adoption of MCP by engineering teams, enabling agents to perform complex tasks like reading documentation and triggering workflows at unprecedented speeds. Key features include a structured approach to determine whether an MCP server can be utilized in an environment and under what controls, effectively mitigating risks associated with AI operations. The framework emphasizes essential governance principles, such as mandatory ownership for each MCP server and rigorous documentation of data scope before connections. By categorizing servers into risk tiers and providing detailed guidance on asset inventory, classification, and risk scoring, organizations can ensure compliance with recognized standards like OWASP's Top 10 and NIST AI Risk Management Framework. The OWASP MCP Governance and Risk Framework not only equips teams to safely integrate MCP into their operations but also sets a precedent for responsible AI deployment, framing the conversation around trust and security in AI governance.