hardhat_run_task · HashPilot MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What hardhat_run_task does on HashPilot

AI agents invoke hardhat_run_task to trigger actions in HashPilot. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why hardhat_run_task needs a policy

This tool permits execution of arbitrary Hardhat tasks, which are development/automation tasks that can run custom code, deploy contracts, or interact with blockchain networks.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Execute any Hardhat task programmatically' — the word 'Execute' combined with 'any Hardhat task' indicates this tool runs arbitrary code/commands.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

hardhat_run_task Rate-limited

hardhat_run_task stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "hardhat_run_task": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "hardhat_run_task_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

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

FAQ

Questions about hardhat_run_task

What does the hardhat_run_task tool do? +

Execute any Hardhat task programmatically. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the HashPilot MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on hardhat_run_task? +

Register the HashPilot MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for hardhat_run_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 HashPilot. Nothing to install.

What risk level is hardhat_run_task? +

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

Can I rate-limit hardhat_run_task? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the hardhat_run_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 hardhat_run_task completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for hardhat_run_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 hardhat_run_task? +

hardhat_run_task is provided by the HashPilot MCP server (justmert/hashpilot). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.