AI agents use openspec_request_approval to create or update resources in OpenSpec MCP — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your OpenSpec MCP environment.
This tool initiates an approval workflow by submitting a request, which creates or modifies a workflow state (the approval request record). It does not delete data, execute code, or involve financial transactions. It is reversible in the sense that the approval can be rejected or the request can be withdrawn.
From the tool's definition Request approval for a change
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access openspec_request_approval gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and OpenSpec MCP, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for openspec_request_approval:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"openspec_request_approval": {
"limits": [
{
"counter": "openspec_request_approval_rate",
"window": "minute",
"max": 30,
"scope": "grant"
}
]
}
}
}openspec_request_approval 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.
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Request approval for a change. It is categorised as a Write tool in the OpenSpec MCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the OpenSpec MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for openspec_request_approval: 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 OpenSpec MCP. Nothing to install.
openspec_request_approval is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the openspec_request_approval 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for openspec_request_approval. 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.
openspec_request_approval is provided by the OpenSpec MCP server (lumiaqian/openspec-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Start from OpenSpec MCP, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.
Free to start. No card required.
40 OpenSpec MCP tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 43,000+ MCP servers.