config

Manages git configuration values. Supports get, set, list, and unset actions. Operates at local, global, system, or worktree scope.

SERVERGithub SOURCE@paretools/github

Medium RISK CLASS

Category Write

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Rate-limitedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/io-github-dave-london-github/config.md

WHAT IT DOES

What config does on Github

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

RISK

Why config is rated Medium

The 'set' and 'unset' actions constitute Write operations that create or modify configuration data. While these changes are reversible (can be changed back), they alter system state. The 'get' and 'list' actions are Read-only but are outweighed by the Write capability.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it "Supports get, set, list, and unset actions" - the set and unset operations modify git configuration values, which are reversible changes to local, global, system, or worktree scope.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs config safely

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

config Rate-limited

config 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": {
    "config": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "config_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 Github, apply this rule, and every config call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about config

What does the config tool do? +

Manages git configuration values. Supports get, set, list, and unset actions. Operates at local, global, system, or worktree scope. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Github MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on config? +

Register the Github MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for config: 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 config? +

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

Can I rate-limit config? +

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

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

config is provided by the Github MCP server (@paretools/github). 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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