create_goal · Agent Runtime MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_goal does on Agent Runtime

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_goal needs a policy

Creating a goal is a write operation that adds new data to a persistent store but is reversible (goals can be deleted or modified). While it doesn't directly execute code or delete data, creating goals in an AI task management system could influence downstream agent behavior if goals are vague or malicious.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Create a new goal' which is a create operation that generates new persistent data ('Goals persist across sessions'). The tool performs a reversible write operation.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_goal Rate-limited

create_goal 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_goal": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_goal_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 Agent Runtime, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_goal

What does the create_goal tool do? +

Create a new goal with name and description. Goals persist across sessions. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Agent Runtime 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_goal? +

Register the Agent Runtime MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_goal: 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 Agent Runtime. Nothing to install.

What risk level is create_goal? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_goal? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_goal 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_goal completely? +

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

create_goal is provided by the Agent Runtime MCP server (marc-shade/agent-runtime-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.