start_timer · FreeAgent MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What start_timer does on FreeAgent MCP Server

AI agents invoke start_timer to trigger actions in FreeAgent MCP Server. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why start_timer needs a policy

This tool executes a timer-start operation in an external system (FreeAgent). While the immediate consequences are reversible (the timer can be stopped), it constitutes execution of an operation whose ongoing effects depend on external inputs. It does not persistently write data on its own, nor is it destructive.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Start[s] a timer for a timeslip', which triggers an external operation (a timer in FreeAgent). The timer's effect depends on when the user stops it, making this an executable action rather than a passive read or simple write.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

start_timer Rate-limited

start_timer stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "start_timer": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "start_timer_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches FreeAgent MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about start_timer

What does the start_timer tool do? +

Start a timer for a timeslip. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the FreeAgent MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on start_timer? +

Register the FreeAgent MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for start_timer: 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 FreeAgent MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is start_timer? +

start_timer is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit start_timer? +

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

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

start_timer is provided by the FreeAgent MCP Server MCP server (markpitt/freeagent-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.