github_archive_repo
Archive (or unarchive) a repository — read-only marker without deleting.
This record as markdown: /tools/dkeeno-github-mcp-server/github-archive-repo.md
What github_archive_repo does on Github
AI agents use github_archive_repo to create or update resources in Github, usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Github environment.
Why github_archive_repo is rated Medium
Archiving a repository is a reversible write operation that changes the repository state (marking it read-only) without destroying data. It can be undone (unarchived), so it is not Destructive. The blast radius is medium: an AI agent misusing this could archive important repositories and impact team workflows, but the action is recoverable and does not involve deletion, code execution, or financial impact.
From the tool's definition 'Archive (or unarchive) a repository' — a state-changing operation that modifies repository metadata/status without deletion.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs github_archive_repo safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Github, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For github_archive_repo, this is the rule to start with:
github_archive_repo 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.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Github, apply this rule, and every github_archive_repo call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about github_archive_repo
Archive (or unarchive) a repository — read-only marker without deleting. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Github MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the Github MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for github_archive_repo: 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. Nothing to install.
github_archive_repo is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the github_archive_repo 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for github_archive_repo. 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.
github_archive_repo is provided by the Github MCP server (dkeeno/github-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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