// MCP TOOL REFERENCE

actions_run_trigger

Trigger GitHub Actions workflow operations, including running, re-running, cancelling workflow runs, and deleting workflow run logs.

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

@github/github-mcp-server Execute Risk 3/5

// WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL

AI agents invoke actions_run_trigger to trigger processes or run actions in GitHub. 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 ACTIONS_RUN_TRIGGER

actions_run_trigger 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.

github.yaml

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

See the full GitHub policy for all 86 tools.

// DETAILS

Tool Name actions_run_trigger

Category Execute

MCP Server GitHub MCP Server

Risk Level High

// MORE GITHUB TOOLS

Destructive delete_file Execute run_secret_scanning Write add_comment_to_pending_review Write add_issue_comment Write add_reply_to_pull_request_comment Write assign_copilot_to_issue Write create_branch Write create_gist

View all 86 tools →

// WHAT CAN GO WRONG

Agents calling execute-class tools like actions_run_trigger 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

actions_run_trigger is one of the high-risk operations in GitHub. 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 actions_run_trigger tool do? +

Trigger GitHub Actions workflow operations, including running, re-running, cancelling workflow runs, and deleting workflow run logs.. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the GitHub MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on actions_run_trigger? +

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

What risk level is actions_run_trigger? +

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

Can I rate-limit actions_run_trigger? +

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

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

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

actions_run_trigger

Enforce policies on GitHub