create_pr · Downscoping MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_pr does on Downscoping

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_pr needs a policy

This tool creates new data (a pull request) in a repository, which is a reversible modification. It does not execute arbitrary code, delete data, or move money. While PRs can trigger workflows or reviews with side effects, the tool itself performs a write operation.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'create_pr' and description 'Create a new pull request' indicate data creation/modification. Creating a PR is a reversible write operation that modifies repository state by adding a new pull request object.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_pr Rate-limited

create_pr 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": {
    "create_pr": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_pr_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 Downscoping, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_pr

What does the create_pr tool do? +

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

How do I enforce a policy on create_pr? +

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

What risk level is create_pr? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_pr? +

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

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

create_pr is provided by the Downscoping MCP server (kbroughton/downscoping-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.