Create and start a provider-agnostic task, returning a task_id you can track. (v1.0.34) Dispatches the prompt to the provider registered for the given `task_type` (Codex, Copilot, Claude CLI) and returns immediately with a task_id. Use `wait-task` to block until the task reaches a terminal state...
Accepts file system path (cwd); High parameter count (13 properties)
Part of the Mcp Codex Worker MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.
AI agents invoke spawn-task to trigger processes or run actions in Mcp Codex Worker. Execute operations can have side effects beyond the immediate call -- triggering builds, sending notifications, or starting workflows. Rate limits and argument validation are essential to prevent runaway execution.
spawn-task can trigger processes with real-world consequences. An uncontrolled agent might start dozens of builds, send mass notifications, or kick off expensive compute jobs. Intercept enforces rate limits and validates arguments to keep execution within safe bounds.
Execute tools trigger processes. Rate-limit and validate arguments to prevent unintended side effects.
tools:
spawn-task:
rules:
- action: allow
rate_limit:
max: 10
window: 60
validate:
required_args: trueSee the full Mcp Codex Worker policy for all 5 tools.
Agents calling execute-class tools like spawn-task have been implicated in these attack patterns. Read the full case and prevention policy for each:
Other tools in the Execute risk category across the catalogue. The same policy patterns (rate-limit, validate) apply to each.
spawn-task is one of the high-risk operations in Mcp Codex Worker. For the full severity-focused view — only the high-risk tools with their recommended policies — see the breakdown for this server, or browse all high-risk tools across every MCP server.
Create and start a provider-agnostic task, returning a task_id you can track. (v1.0.34) Dispatches the prompt to the provider registered for the given `task_type` (Codex, Copilot, Claude CLI) and returns immediately with a task_id. Use `wait-task` to block until the task reaches a terminal state or needs input, `respond-task` to unblock it, and `message-task` to send follow-ups on the same session. PARALLEL EXECUTION: Spawn multiple tasks in the same message to fan out work — each task runs in its own isolated agent workspace and reports back independently. AFTER SPAWNING: Always follow up with `wait-task`. The agent may pause almost immediately to request input; the bridge window surfaces that pending question so you can answer it without polling. WRITING A GOOD PROMPT: Name the exact files, functions, or symbols involved, state the expected behavior, and mention anything the agent must NOT touch.. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Mcp Codex Worker MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.
Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for spawn-task. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Mcp Codex Worker MCP server.
spawn-task is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the spawn-task rule in your Intercept 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 Intercept policy for spawn-task. 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.
spawn-task is provided by the Mcp Codex Worker MCP server (mcp-codex-worker). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.
npx -y @policylayer/intercept