Git reference (e.g., branch) that the agent will start its work from. If not specified, defaults to the repository's default branch (string, optional)
Part of the GitHub server.
Free to start. No card required.
AI agents invoke base_ref 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.
base_ref can trigger processes with real-world consequences. An uncontrolled agent might start dozens of builds, send mass notifications, or kick off expensive compute jobs. PolicyLayer enforces rate limits and validates arguments to keep execution within safe bounds.
Execute tools trigger processes. Rate-limit and validate arguments to prevent unintended side effects.
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"base_ref": {
"limits": [
{
"counter": "base_ref_rate",
"window": "minute",
"max": 10,
"scope": "grant"
}
]
}
}
}See the full GitHub policy for all 223 tools.
These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access base_ref gives an agent. Each links to the full case and the policy that stops it:
Other execute tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: rate-limit and validate the arguments.
Git reference (e.g., branch) that the agent will start its work from. If not specified, defaults to the repository's default branch (string, optional). 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.
Register the GitHub MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for base_ref: 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.
base_ref is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the base_ref 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 base_ref. 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.
base_ref is provided by the GitHub MCP server (@github/github-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Deterministic rules across all 223 GitHub tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.
Free to start. No card required.
4,600+ MCP servers and 31,000+ tools scanned and risk-classified.