git_add

Stage file contents for commit

SERVERGit SOURCE@modelcontextprotocol/server-git

Medium RISK CLASS

Category Write

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Rate-limitedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade D, identity verified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/git/git-add.md

WHAT IT DOES

What git_add does on Git

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

RISK

Why git_add is rated Medium

This tool creates or modifies repository state (the staging area/index) in a reversible way. It is not destructive because staged changes can be unstaged, and it does not execute arbitrary code or delete data. However, it is more severe than a simple read operation because it alters repository state.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'git_add' and description 'Stage file contents for commit' indicate it modifies the Git staging area, preparing changes for commit without yet persisting them to the repository history.

Risk signalsAdds files to staging area

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs git_add safely

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

git_add Rate-limited

git_add 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_add": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "git_add_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 Git, apply this rule, and every git_add call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about git_add

What does the git_add tool do? +

Stage file contents for commit. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Git 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_add? +

Register the Git MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for git_add: 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 Git. Nothing to install.

What risk level is git_add? +

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

Can I rate-limit git_add? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the git_add 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_add completely? +

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

git_add is provided by the Git MCP server (@modelcontextprotocol/server-git). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

KEEP EXPLORING

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Guides

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