add_checklist_item · Habitca MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_checklist_item does on Habitca

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_checklist_item needs a policy

Adding a checklist item is a reversible modification that creates data without destructive or irreversible consequences. The action is easily undoable (the item can be deleted via delete_checklist_item, which is listed as a sibling tool). It does not execute arbitrary code, delete data permanently, or involve financial transactions. This fits the Write category.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'add_checklist_item' and description states it will 'Add a checklist item to a task.' This creates new data (a checklist item) within an existing task structure.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_checklist_item Rate-limited

add_checklist_item 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": {
    "add_checklist_item": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_checklist_item_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 Habitca, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_checklist_item

What does the add_checklist_item tool do? +

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

How do I enforce a policy on add_checklist_item? +

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

What risk level is add_checklist_item? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_checklist_item? +

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

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

add_checklist_item is provided by the Habitca MCP server (leon-jarvis1/habitca_mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.