// MCP TOOL REFERENCE

run_pipeline

Trigger a CircleCI pipeline to run

Triggers CI/CD pipeline execution

Part of the CircleCI MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

@CircleCI-Public/mcp-server-circleci Execute Risk 5/5

// WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL

AI agents invoke run_pipeline to trigger processes or run actions in CircleCI. Execute operations can have side effects beyond the immediate call -- triggering builds, sending notifications, or starting workflows. Rate limits and argument validation are essential to prevent runaway execution.

// WHY ENFORCE A POLICY ON RUN_PIPELINE

run_pipeline can trigger processes with real-world consequences. An uncontrolled agent might start dozens of builds, send mass notifications, or kick off expensive compute jobs. Intercept enforces rate limits and validates arguments to keep execution within safe bounds.

// RECOMMENDED POLICY

Execute tools trigger processes. Rate-limit and validate arguments to prevent unintended side effects.

circleci.yaml

tools:
  run_pipeline:
    rules:
      - action: allow
        rate_limit:
          max: 10
          window: 60
        validate:
          required_args: true

See the full CircleCI policy for all 15 tools.

// DETAILS

Tool Name run_pipeline

Category Execute

MCP Server CircleCI MCP Server

Risk Level High

// MORE CIRCLECI TOOLS

Execute rerun_workflow Execute run_rollback_pipeline Write create_prompt_template Read analyse_diff Read config_helper Read download_usage_api_data Read find_flaky_tests Read find_underused_resource_classes

View all 15 tools →

// WHAT CAN GO WRONG

Agents calling execute-class tools like run_pipeline have been implicated in these attack patterns. Read the full case and prevention policy for each:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

// OTHER EXECUTE TOOLS ACROSS MCP SERVERS

Other tools in the Execute risk category across the catalogue. The same policy patterns (rate-limit, validate) apply to each.

Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents commerce_preflight Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents execute_with_context Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents gateway_execute_approval Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents governance_360 Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents parse_governance_block_html AgentClear — API Marketplace for AI Agents call_service

// IN CONTEXT OF HIGH RISK

run_pipeline is one of the high-risk operations in CircleCI. For the full severity-focused view — only the high-risk tools with their recommended policies — see the breakdown for this server, or browse all high-risk tools across every MCP server.

// RELATED READING

// FAQ

What does the run_pipeline tool do? +

Trigger a CircleCI pipeline to run. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the CircleCI MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on run_pipeline? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for run_pipeline. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the CircleCI MCP server.

What risk level is run_pipeline? +

run_pipeline is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit run_pipeline? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the run_pipeline rule in your Intercept 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 run_pipeline completely? +

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for run_pipeline. 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 run_pipeline? +

run_pipeline is provided by the CircleCI MCP server (@CircleCI-Public/mcp-server-circleci). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

run_pipeline

Enforce policies on CircleCI