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dry_run

Show what would be pruned without actually pruning (optional, default: false) (boolean, optional)

Part of the GitHub server.

dry_run can trigger actions in GitHub, with no limits today. PolicyLayer puts allow, deny, and rate-limit rules on every call. Live in minutes.

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AI agents invoke dry_run 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.

dry_run 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.

policy.json
{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "dry_run": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "dry_run_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

See the full GitHub policy for all 256 tools.

Get this rule live on your own GitHub server in minutes. PolicyLayer enforces it on every call, before it runs.

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View all 256 tools →

These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access dry_run gives an agent. Each links to the full case and the policy that stops it:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

Every attack above starts with a tool call. PolicyLayer checks each one against your policy first, so dry_run only ever does what you allow.

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Other execute tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: rate-limit and validate the arguments.

What does the dry_run tool do? +

Show what would be pruned without actually pruning (optional, default: false) (boolean, 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.

How do I enforce a policy on dry_run? +

Register the GitHub MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for dry_run: 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 dry_run? +

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

Can I rate-limit dry_run? +

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

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

dry_run is provided by the GitHub MCP server (oci:ghcr.io/aifity/omnigit-mcp:0.5.0). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every GitHub tool call.

Deterministic rules across all 256 GitHub tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.

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4,600+ MCP servers and 31,000+ tools scanned and risk-classified.

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