add_checklist_item · Todo MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_checklist_item does on Todo

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_checklist_item needs a policy

This tool creates new checklist items within tasks, modifying task data reversibly. It is a write operation (not read-only, not destructive, not executing arbitrary code). Severity is medium because misuse could clutter or spam tasks across accounts, but changes are easily undone by deletion and do not affect financial or system-level operations.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'add_checklist_item' and description 'Add a subtask checklist item to a task' indicate creation of new task-related data. Server supports 'full CRUD operations' confirming write capability.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_checklist_item Rate-limited

add_checklist_item 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": {
    "add_checklist_item": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_checklist_item_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Todo, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_checklist_item

What does the add_checklist_item tool do? +

Add a subtask checklist item to a task. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Todo MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on add_checklist_item? +

Register the Todo MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_checklist_item: 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 Todo. Nothing to install.

What risk level is add_checklist_item? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_checklist_item? +

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

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

add_checklist_item is provided by the Todo MCP server (jc1122/todo-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.