High Risk →

start-task

Search for relevant context before starting a new task. Use this at the beginning of every coding session.

Risk signalsBulk/mass operation — affects multiple targets

Part of the Repomemory server.

start-task can trigger actions in Repomemory, 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 start-task to trigger processes or run actions in Repomemory. 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.

start-task 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": {
    "start-task": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "start-task_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

See the full Repomemory policy for all 11 tools.

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

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These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access start-task 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 start-task 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 start-task tool do? +

Search for relevant context before starting a new task. Use this at the beginning of every coding session.. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Repomemory MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on start-task? +

Register the Repomemory MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for start-task: 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 Repomemory. Nothing to install.

What risk level is start-task? +

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

Can I rate-limit start-task? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the start-task 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 start-task completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for start-task. 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 start-task? +

start-task is provided by the Repomemory MCP server (repomemory). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Repomemory tool call.

Deterministic rules across all 11 Repomemory 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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