switch_branch · GitBranch MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What switch_branch does on GitBranchMCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why switch_branch needs a policy

The 'switch_branch' tool modifies application state by changing which branch is active, enabling subsequent operations on a different branch. This is a Write action (reversible state change) rather than Read (no side effects) or Execute (running arbitrary code).

From the tool's definition Tool name 'switch_branch' combined with sibling tools 'create_branch', 'delete_branch', 'branch_chat' indicates this server manages branch state. Switching a branch changes the active context/state, which is a reversible modification operation.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

switch_branch Rate-limited

switch_branch 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": {
    "switch_branch": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "switch_branch_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 GitBranchMCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about switch_branch

What does the switch_branch tool do? +

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

How do I enforce a policy on switch_branch? +

Register the GitBranch MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for switch_branch: 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 GitBranchMCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is switch_branch? +

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

Can I rate-limit switch_branch? +

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

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

switch_branch is provided by the GitBranch MCP server (lianggaoyuan/gitbranchmcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.