generate-tasks · Spec MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What generate-tasks does on Spec MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why generate-tasks needs a policy

Tool creates/modifies a tasks.md file based on user request and codebase analysis. This is a reversible write operation—files can be edited or deleted. It does not execute code, delete irreversibly, move money, or trigger external operations. The 'Write' category applies because the tool generates and persists data (task breakdown/implementation plan).

From the tool's definition 'Writes' per description; generates and creates a tasks.md file as part of implementation planning workflow

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

generate-tasks Rate-limited

generate-tasks 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": {
    "generate-tasks": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "generate-tasks_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 Spec MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about generate-tasks

What does the generate-tasks tool do? +

Generate tasks.md (implementation plan & task breakdown) from your request and codebase. Writes. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Spec 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 generate-tasks? +

Register the Spec MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for generate-tasks: 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 Spec MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is generate-tasks? +

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

Can I rate-limit generate-tasks? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the generate-tasks 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 generate-tasks completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for generate-tasks. 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 generate-tasks? +

generate-tasks is provided by the Spec MCP Server MCP server (karol-f/spec-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.