git_checkout · Mcp Git MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What git_checkout does on Mcp Git

AI agents invoke git_checkout to trigger actions in Mcp Git. 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 git_checkout needs a policy

git_checkout switches the active branch or restores working tree files. While not purely destructive (branches still exist), it triggers external filesystem operations that can overwrite local changes and alter repository state. It spans Write/Execute; Execute is the most appropriate as it triggers a repo operation with side effects beyond simple data modification.

From the tool's definition 'Switches branches' — changing the working tree state is an external operation that modifies the working directory and HEAD pointer, potentially overwriting uncommitted changes

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

git_checkout Rate-limited

git_checkout 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": {
    "git_checkout": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "git_checkout_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 Mcp Git, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about git_checkout

What does the git_checkout tool do? +

Switches branches. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Mcp Git MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on git_checkout? +

Register the Mcp Git MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for git_checkout: 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 Mcp Git. Nothing to install.

What risk level is git_checkout? +

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

Can I rate-limit git_checkout? +

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

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

git_checkout is provided by the Mcp Git MCP server (mcp-git). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.