|
| 1 | +# Multi-Tenancy Guide |
| 2 | + |
| 3 | +This guide explains how to build MCP servers that safely isolate multiple tenants sharing a single server instance. Multi-tenancy ensures that tools, resources, prompts, and sessions belonging to one tenant are invisible and inaccessible to others. |
| 4 | + |
| 5 | +> For a complete working example, see [`examples/servers/simple-multi-tenant/`](../examples/servers/simple-multi-tenant/). |
| 6 | +
|
| 7 | +## Overview |
| 8 | + |
| 9 | +In a multi-tenant deployment, a single MCP server process serves requests from multiple organizations, teams, or users (tenants). Without proper isolation, Tenant A could list or invoke Tenant B's tools, read their resources, or hijack their sessions. |
| 10 | + |
| 11 | +The MCP Python SDK provides built-in tenant isolation across all layers: |
| 12 | + |
| 13 | +- **Authentication tokens** carry a `tenant_id` field |
| 14 | +- **Sessions** are bound to a single tenant on first authenticated request |
| 15 | +- **Request context** propagates `tenant_id` to every handler |
| 16 | +- **Managers** (tools, resources, prompts) use tenant-scoped storage |
| 17 | +- **Session manager** validates tenant identity on every request |
| 18 | + |
| 19 | +## How It Works |
| 20 | + |
| 21 | +### Tenant Identification Flow |
| 22 | + |
| 23 | +```mermaid |
| 24 | +flowchart TD |
| 25 | + A["HTTP Request"] --> B["AuthContextMiddleware"] |
| 26 | + B -->|"extracts tenant_id from AccessToken<br/>sets tenant_id_var (contextvar)"| C["StreamableHTTPSessionManager"] |
| 27 | + C -->|"binds new sessions to the current tenant<br/>rejects cross-tenant session access (HTTP 404)"| D["Low-level Server<br/>(_handle_request / _handle_notification)"] |
| 28 | + D -->|"reads tenant_id_var<br/>sets session.tenant_id (set-once)<br/>populates ServerRequestContext.tenant_id"| E["MCPServer handlers<br/>(_handle_list_tools, _handle_call_tool, etc.)"] |
| 29 | + E -->|"passes ctx.tenant_id to managers"| F["ToolManager / ResourceManager / PromptManager"] |
| 30 | + F -->|"looks up (tenant_id, name) in nested dict<br/>returns only the requesting tenant's entries"| G["Response"] |
| 31 | +``` |
| 32 | + |
| 33 | +### Key Components |
| 34 | + |
| 35 | +| Component | File | Role | |
| 36 | +|---|---|---| |
| 37 | +| `AccessToken.tenant_id` | `server/auth/provider.py` | Carries tenant identity in OAuth tokens | |
| 38 | +| `tenant_id_var` | `shared/_context.py` | Transport-agnostic contextvar for tenant propagation | |
| 39 | +| `AuthContextMiddleware` | `server/auth/middleware/auth_context.py` | Extracts tenant from auth and sets contextvar | |
| 40 | +| `ServerSession.tenant_id` | `server/session.py` | Binds session to tenant (set-once semantics) | |
| 41 | +| `ServerRequestContext.tenant_id` | `shared/_context.py` | Per-request tenant context for handlers | |
| 42 | +| `Context.tenant_id` | `server/mcpserver/context.py` | High-level property for tool/resource/prompt handlers | |
| 43 | +| `ToolManager` | `server/mcpserver/tools/tool_manager.py` | Tenant-scoped tool storage | |
| 44 | +| `ResourceManager` | `server/mcpserver/resources/resource_manager.py` | Tenant-scoped resource storage | |
| 45 | +| `PromptManager` | `server/mcpserver/prompts/manager.py` | Tenant-scoped prompt storage | |
| 46 | +| `StreamableHTTPSessionManager` | `server/streamable_http_manager.py` | Validates tenant on session access | |
| 47 | + |
| 48 | +## Usage |
| 49 | + |
| 50 | +### Simple Registration of Tenant-Scoped Tools, Resources, and Prompts |
| 51 | + |
| 52 | +Use the `tenant_id` parameter when adding tools, resources, or prompts: |
| 53 | + |
| 54 | +```python |
| 55 | +from mcp.server.mcpserver import MCPServer |
| 56 | + |
| 57 | +server = MCPServer("my-server") |
| 58 | + |
| 59 | +# Register a tool for a specific tenant |
| 60 | +def analyze_data(query: str) -> str: |
| 61 | + return f"Results for: {query}" |
| 62 | + |
| 63 | +server.add_tool(analyze_data, tenant_id="acme-corp") |
| 64 | + |
| 65 | +# Register a resource for a specific tenant |
| 66 | +from mcp.server.mcpserver.resources.types import FunctionResource |
| 67 | + |
| 68 | +server.add_resource( |
| 69 | + FunctionResource(uri="data://config", name="config", fn=lambda: "tenant config"), |
| 70 | + tenant_id="acme-corp", |
| 71 | +) |
| 72 | + |
| 73 | +# Register a prompt for a specific tenant |
| 74 | +from mcp.server.mcpserver.prompts.base import Prompt |
| 75 | + |
| 76 | +async def onboarding_prompt() -> str: |
| 77 | + return "Welcome to Acme Corp!" |
| 78 | + |
| 79 | +server.add_prompt( |
| 80 | + Prompt.from_function(onboarding_prompt, name="onboarding"), |
| 81 | + tenant_id="acme-corp", |
| 82 | +) |
| 83 | +``` |
| 84 | + |
| 85 | +The same name can be registered under different tenants without conflict: |
| 86 | + |
| 87 | +```python |
| 88 | +server.add_tool(acme_tool, name="analyze", tenant_id="acme-corp") |
| 89 | +server.add_tool(globex_tool, name="analyze", tenant_id="globex-inc") |
| 90 | +``` |
| 91 | + |
| 92 | +### Dynamic Tenant Provisioning |
| 93 | + |
| 94 | +Multi-tenancy enables MCP servers to operate as SaaS platforms where tenants are |
| 95 | +provisioned and deprovisioned at runtime. Tools, resources, and prompts can be |
| 96 | +added or removed dynamically — for example, when a tenant signs up, changes |
| 97 | +their subscription tier, or installs a plugin. |
| 98 | + |
| 99 | +#### Tenant Onboarding and Offboarding |
| 100 | + |
| 101 | +Register a tenant's capabilities when they sign up and remove them when they leave: |
| 102 | + |
| 103 | +```python |
| 104 | +def onboard_tenant(server: MCPServer, tenant_id: str, plan: str) -> None: |
| 105 | + """Provision tools for a new tenant based on their plan.""" |
| 106 | + |
| 107 | + # Base tools available to all tenants |
| 108 | + server.add_tool(search_docs, tenant_id=tenant_id) |
| 109 | + server.add_tool(get_status, tenant_id=tenant_id) |
| 110 | + |
| 111 | + # Premium tools gated by plan |
| 112 | + if plan in ("pro", "enterprise"): |
| 113 | + server.add_tool(run_analytics, tenant_id=tenant_id) |
| 114 | + server.add_tool(export_data, tenant_id=tenant_id) |
| 115 | + |
| 116 | + |
| 117 | +def offboard_tenant(server: MCPServer, tenant_id: str) -> None: |
| 118 | + """Remove all capabilities when a tenant is deprovisioned.""" |
| 119 | + for tool_name in ["search_docs", "get_status", "run_analytics", "export_data"]: |
| 120 | + try: |
| 121 | + server.remove_tool(tool_name, tenant_id=tenant_id) |
| 122 | + except KeyError: |
| 123 | + pass # Tool was never provisioned (e.g. free-plan tenant) |
| 124 | + |
| 125 | + for uri in ["data://docs", "data://status"]: |
| 126 | + try: |
| 127 | + server.remove_resource(uri, tenant_id=tenant_id) |
| 128 | + except ValueError: |
| 129 | + pass |
| 130 | + |
| 131 | + for prompt_name in ["assistant"]: |
| 132 | + try: |
| 133 | + server.remove_prompt(prompt_name, tenant_id=tenant_id) |
| 134 | + except ValueError: |
| 135 | + pass |
| 136 | +``` |
| 137 | + |
| 138 | +#### Plugin Systems |
| 139 | + |
| 140 | +Let tenants install or uninstall integrations that map to MCP tools: |
| 141 | + |
| 142 | +```python |
| 143 | +def install_plugin(server: MCPServer, tenant_id: str, plugin: str) -> None: |
| 144 | + """Install a plugin's tools for a specific tenant.""" |
| 145 | + plugin_tools = load_plugin_tools(plugin) # Your plugin registry |
| 146 | + for tool_fn in plugin_tools: |
| 147 | + server.add_tool(tool_fn, tenant_id=tenant_id) |
| 148 | + |
| 149 | + |
| 150 | +def uninstall_plugin(server: MCPServer, tenant_id: str, plugin: str) -> None: |
| 151 | + """Remove a plugin's tools for a specific tenant.""" |
| 152 | + plugin_tool_names = get_plugin_tool_names(plugin) |
| 153 | + for name in plugin_tool_names: |
| 154 | + server.remove_tool(name, tenant_id=tenant_id) |
| 155 | +``` |
| 156 | + |
| 157 | +All dynamic changes take effect immediately — the next `list_tools`, `list_resources`, or `list_prompts` request from that tenant will reflect the updated set. Other tenants are unaffected. |
| 158 | + |
| 159 | +### Accessing Tenant ID in Handlers |
| 160 | + |
| 161 | +Inside tool, resource, or prompt handlers, access the current tenant through `Context.tenant_id`: |
| 162 | + |
| 163 | +```python |
| 164 | +from mcp.server.mcpserver.context import Context |
| 165 | + |
| 166 | +@server.tool() |
| 167 | +async def get_data(ctx: Context) -> str: |
| 168 | + tenant = ctx.tenant_id # e.g., "acme-corp" or None |
| 169 | + return f"Data for tenant: {tenant}" |
| 170 | +``` |
| 171 | + |
| 172 | +### Setting Up Authentication with Tenant ID |
| 173 | + |
| 174 | +The `tenant_id` field on `AccessToken` is populated by your token verifier or OAuth provider. The `AuthContextMiddleware` automatically extracts `tenant_id` from the authenticated user's access token and sets the `tenant_id_var` contextvar for downstream use. |
| 175 | + |
| 176 | +Implement the `TokenVerifier` protocol to bridge your external identity provider with the MCP auth stack. Your `verify_token` method decodes or introspects the bearer token and returns an `AccessToken` with `tenant_id` populated. |
| 177 | + |
| 178 | +**Configuring your identity provider to include tenant identity in tokens:** |
| 179 | + |
| 180 | +Most identity providers allow you to add custom claims to access tokens. The claim name varies by provider, but common conventions include `org_id`, `tenant_id`, or a namespaced claim like `https://myapp.com/tenant_id`. Here are some examples: |
| 181 | + |
| 182 | +- **Duo Security**: Define a [custom user attribute](https://duo.com/docs/user-attributes) (e.g., `tenant_id`) and assign it to users via Duo Directory sync or the Admin Panel. Include this attribute as a claim in the access token issued by Duo as your IdP. |
| 183 | +- **Auth0**: Use [Organizations](https://auth0.com/docs/manage-users/organizations) to model tenants. When a user authenticates through an organization, Auth0 automatically includes an `org_id` claim in the access token. Alternatively, use an [Action](https://auth0.com/docs/customize/actions) on the "Machine to Machine" or "Login" flow to add a custom claim based on app metadata or connection context. |
| 184 | +- **Okta**: Add a [custom claim](https://developer.okta.com/docs/guides/customize-tokens-returned-from-okta/) to your authorization server. Map the claim value from the user's profile (e.g., `user.profile.orgId`) or from a group membership. |
| 185 | +- **Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD)**: Use the `tid` (tenant ID) claim that is included by default in tokens, or configure [optional claims](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/identity-platform/optional-claims) to add organization-specific attributes. |
| 186 | +- **Custom JWT issuer**: Include a `tenant_id` (or equivalent) claim in the JWT payload when minting tokens. For example: `{"sub": "user-123", "tenant_id": "acme-corp", "scope": "read write"}`. |
| 187 | + |
| 188 | +Once your provider includes the tenant claim, extract it in your `TokenVerifier`: |
| 189 | + |
| 190 | +```python |
| 191 | +from mcp.server.auth.provider import AccessToken, TokenVerifier |
| 192 | + |
| 193 | + |
| 194 | +class JWTTokenVerifier(TokenVerifier): |
| 195 | + """Verify JWTs and extract tenant_id from claims.""" |
| 196 | + |
| 197 | + async def verify_token(self, token: str) -> AccessToken | None: |
| 198 | + # Decode and validate the JWT (e.g., using PyJWT or authlib) |
| 199 | + claims = decode_and_verify_jwt(token) |
| 200 | + if claims is None: |
| 201 | + return None |
| 202 | + |
| 203 | + return AccessToken( |
| 204 | + token=token, |
| 205 | + client_id=claims["sub"], |
| 206 | + scopes=claims.get("scope", "").split(), |
| 207 | + expires_at=claims.get("exp"), |
| 208 | + tenant_id=claims["org_id"], # Extract tenant from your JWT claims |
| 209 | + ) |
| 210 | +``` |
| 211 | + |
| 212 | +Then pass the verifier when creating your `MCPServer`: |
| 213 | + |
| 214 | +```python |
| 215 | +from mcp.server.auth.settings import AuthSettings |
| 216 | +from mcp.server.mcpserver.server import MCPServer |
| 217 | + |
| 218 | +server = MCPServer( |
| 219 | + "my-server", |
| 220 | + token_verifier=JWTTokenVerifier(), |
| 221 | + auth=AuthSettings( |
| 222 | + issuer_url="https://auth.example.com", |
| 223 | + resource_server_url="https://mcp.example.com", |
| 224 | + required_scopes=["read"], |
| 225 | + ), |
| 226 | +) |
| 227 | +``` |
| 228 | + |
| 229 | +Once the `AccessToken` reaches the middleware stack, the flow is automatic: `BearerAuthBackend` validates the token → `AuthContextMiddleware` extracts `tenant_id` → `tenant_id_var` contextvar is set → all downstream handlers and managers receive the correct tenant scope. |
| 230 | + |
| 231 | +### Session Isolation |
| 232 | + |
| 233 | +Sessions are automatically bound to their tenant on first authenticated request (set-once semantics). The `StreamableHTTPSessionManager` enforces this: |
| 234 | + |
| 235 | +- New sessions record the creating tenant's ID |
| 236 | +- Subsequent requests must come from the same tenant |
| 237 | +- Cross-tenant session access returns HTTP 404 |
| 238 | +- Session tenant binding cannot be changed after initial assignment |
| 239 | + |
| 240 | +## Backward Compatibility |
| 241 | + |
| 242 | +All tenant-scoped APIs default to `tenant_id=None`, preserving single-tenant behavior: |
| 243 | + |
| 244 | +```python |
| 245 | +# These all work exactly as before — no tenant scoping |
| 246 | +server.add_tool(my_tool) |
| 247 | +server.add_resource(my_resource) |
| 248 | +await server.list_tools() # Returns tools in global (None) scope |
| 249 | +``` |
| 250 | + |
| 251 | +Tools registered without a `tenant_id` live in the global scope and are only visible when no tenant context is active (i.e., `tenant_id_var` is not set or is `None`). |
| 252 | + |
| 253 | +## Architecture Notes |
| 254 | + |
| 255 | +### Storage Model |
| 256 | + |
| 257 | +Managers use a nested dictionary `{tenant_id: {name: item}}` for O(1) lookups per tenant. When the last item in a tenant scope is removed, the scope dictionary is cleaned up automatically. |
| 258 | + |
| 259 | +### Set-Once Session Binding |
| 260 | + |
| 261 | +`ServerSession.tenant_id` uses set-once semantics: once a session is bound to a tenant (on the first request with a non-None tenant_id), it cannot be changed. This prevents session fixation attacks where a session created by one tenant could be reused by another. |
| 262 | + |
| 263 | +### Security Considerations |
| 264 | + |
| 265 | +- **Cross-tenant tool invocation**: A tenant can only call tools registered under their own tenant_id. Attempting to call a tool from another tenant's scope raises a `ToolError`. |
| 266 | +- **Resource access**: Resources are tenant-scoped. Reading a resource registered under a different tenant raises a `ResourceError`. |
| 267 | +- **Session hijacking**: The session manager validates the requesting tenant against the session's bound tenant on every request. Mismatches return HTTP 404 with an opaque "Session not found" error (no tenant information is leaked). |
| 268 | +- **Log levels**: Tenant mismatch events are logged at WARNING level (session ID only). Sensitive tenant identifiers are logged at DEBUG level only. |
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