create_branch_tool · MCP Gitlab MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_branch_tool does on MCP Gitlab

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_branch_tool needs a policy

Creating a branch is a reversible write operation that modifies repository state by adding a new branch reference. It does not execute code, trigger financial transactions, or irreversibly destroy data. While it affects the repository structure, the action can be undone by deleting the branch.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'create_branch_tool' and description 'Create a new branch in a GitLab repository' indicate creation of a new repository resource.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_branch_tool Rate-limited

create_branch_tool 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_branch_tool": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_branch_tool_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 MCP Gitlab, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_branch_tool

What does the create_branch_tool tool do? +

Create a new branch in a GitLab repository. It is categorised as a Write tool in the MCP Gitlab 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_branch_tool? +

Register the MCP Gitlab MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_branch_tool: 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 Gitlab. Nothing to install.

What risk level is create_branch_tool? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_branch_tool? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_branch_tool 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_branch_tool completely? +

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

create_branch_tool is provided by the MCP Gitlab MCP server (mcp-gitlab-crunchtools). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.