git_branch

Lists all branches or creates a new branch

SERVERGitHub MCP Server SOURCE0xshariq/github-mcp-server

Medium RISK CLASS

Category Write

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Rate-limitedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/0xshariq-github-mcp-server/git-branch.md

WHAT IT DOES

What git_branch does on GitHub MCP Server

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

RISK

Why git_branch is rated Medium

Because the tool can both list branches (Read) and create new branches (Write), the most severe applicable category is Write. Creating a branch is a reversible operation (branches can be deleted), so it does not reach Destructive. Misuse could clutter a repository with unwanted branches or create branches at unintended commits, but the blast radius is moderate.

From the tool's definition 'creates a new branch' — the tool can create a new branch in addition to listing existing ones

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs git_branch safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and GitHub MCP Server, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For git_branch, this is the rule to start with:

git_branch Rate-limited

git_branch 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": {
    "git_branch": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "git_branch_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect GitHub MCP Server, apply this rule, and every git_branch call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about git_branch

What does the git_branch tool do? +

Lists all branches or creates a new branch. It is categorised as a Write tool in the GitHub 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 git_branch? +

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

What risk level is git_branch? +

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

Can I rate-limit git_branch? +

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

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

git_branch is provided by the GitHub MCP Server MCP server (0xshariq/github-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

KEEP EXPLORING

More on GitHub MCP Server, and thousands of servers like it.

This server

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The MCP Attack Database →

Guides

Govern customer-ops agents →Argument validation →Scoped token →