github_set_variable

Create / update a repo Actions variable (non-secret).

SERVERGithub SOURCEdkeeno/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/dkeeno-github-mcp-server/github-set-variable.md

WHAT IT DOES

What github_set_variable does on Github

AI agents use github_set_variable 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.

RISK

Why github_set_variable is rated Medium

This tool modifies repository configuration by creating or updating Actions variables. While reversible (variables can be deleted or overwritten), it affects CI/CD pipeline behavior and could cause workflows to behave unexpectedly if malicious values are injected. It does not delete data (thus not Destructive), does not execute code directly (thus not Execute), and does not move money (thus not Financial).

From the tool's definition Creates or updates repository Actions variables as evidenced by 'Create / update a repo Actions variable'. This is a modification operation that persists state in GitHub Actions configuration.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs github_set_variable 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_set_variable, this is the rule to start with:

github_set_variable Rate-limited

github_set_variable 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": {
    "github_set_variable": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "github_set_variable_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, apply this rule, and every github_set_variable call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about github_set_variable

What does the github_set_variable tool do? +

Create / update a repo Actions variable (non-secret). 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.

How do I enforce a policy on github_set_variable? +

Register the Github MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for github_set_variable: 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.

What risk level is github_set_variable? +

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

Can I rate-limit github_set_variable? +

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

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

github_set_variable 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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