handoff_create · IMS MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What handoff_create does on IMS MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why handoff_create needs a policy

The 'create' verb combined with the IMS context (session management, memory storage) indicates this tool creates new records or handoff artifacts in the system. This is a Write operation—reversible data creation. Without evidence of deletion, financial impact, or code execution, and given the sibling tools are all 'create' operations on a memory/graph system, Write is the appropriate category.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'handoff_create' suggests creating a handoff record or session transfer artifact. The server description mentions 'session management' and 'memory storage', and sibling tools include 'graph_create_*' operations which are clearly Write-category.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

handoff_create Rate-limited

handoff_create 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": {
    "handoff_create": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "handoff_create_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 IMS MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about handoff_create

What does the handoff_create tool do? +

handoff_create. It is categorised as a Write tool in the IMS MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on handoff_create? +

Register the IMS MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for handoff_create: 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 IMS MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is handoff_create? +

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

Can I rate-limit handoff_create? +

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

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

handoff_create is provided by the IMS MCP Server MCP server (jdelon02/ims-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.