spike_add_branch · Hedgehog MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What spike_add_branch does on Hedgehog

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why spike_add_branch needs a policy

The tool appears to add a new branch to a technical spike investigation. This is a Write operation because it creates new data (a branch) within the structured workflow. The description is empty, which reduces confidence slightly. While branches could potentially be deleted via spike_delete, the add_branch operation itself is reversible and does not destroy data, so it maps to Write rather than Destructive.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'spike_add_branch' combined with server context (manages structured technical spike investigations with multi-phase workflow).

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

spike_add_branch Rate-limited

spike_add_branch 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": {
    "spike_add_branch": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "spike_add_branch_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 Hedgehog, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about spike_add_branch

What does the spike_add_branch tool do? +

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

How do I enforce a policy on spike_add_branch? +

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

What risk level is spike_add_branch? +

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

Can I rate-limit spike_add_branch? +

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

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

spike_add_branch is provided by the Hedgehog MCP server (jpalmerr/hedgehog). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.