update_checklist_item · Habitca MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_checklist_item does on Habitca

AI agents use update_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 update_checklist_item needs a policy

This tool modifies existing data (checklist item text or completion status) in a reversible manner. Changes can be undone by updating again or reverting the item. It does not execute arbitrary code, delete data permanently, or move money. The blast radius is minimal—a misused update affects only one checklist item's state in a personal task management system.

From the tool's definition Tool updates ('Update text/completed') a checklist item's properties reversibly. Description explicitly states modification of item state without deletion.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_checklist_item Rate-limited

update_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": {
    "update_checklist_item": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_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 update_checklist_item

What does the update_checklist_item tool do? +

Update text/completed on a checklist item. 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 update_checklist_item? +

Register the Habitca MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update_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 update_checklist_item? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_checklist_item? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_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 update_checklist_item completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for update_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 update_checklist_item? +

update_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.