sc_todo_start

// WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL

AI agents invoke sc_todo_start to trigger processes or run actions in Mcp Spec Cli. 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.

// WHY ENFORCE A POLICY ON SC_TODO_START

sc_todo_start 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.

// RECOMMENDED POLICY

Execute tools trigger processes. Rate-limit and validate arguments to prevent unintended side effects.

mcp-spec-cli.yaml

tools:
  sc_todo_start:
    rules:
      - action: allow
        rate_limit:
          max: 10
          window: 60
        validate:
          required_args: true

See the full Mcp Spec Cli policy for all 16 tools.

// DETAILS

Tool Name sc_todo_start

Category Execute

MCP Server Mcp Spec Cli MCP Server

Risk Level High

// MORE MCP SPEC CLI TOOLS

Write sc_approve Write sc_archive Write sc_epoch Write sc_plan Write sc_todo_complete Read sc_analyze Read sc_feedback Read sc_guidance

View all 16 tools →

// WHAT CAN GO WRONG

Agents calling execute-class tools like sc_todo_start have been implicated in these attack patterns. Read the full case and prevention policy for each:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

// OTHER EXECUTE TOOLS ACROSS MCP SERVERS

Other tools in the Execute risk category across the catalogue. The same policy patterns (rate-limit, validate) apply to each.

Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents commerce_preflight Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents execute_with_context Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents gateway_execute_approval Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents governance_360 Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents parse_governance_block_html AgentClear — API Marketplace for AI Agents call_service

// IN CONTEXT OF HIGH RISK

sc_todo_start is one of the high-risk operations in Mcp Spec Cli. 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.

// RELATED READING

// FAQ

What does the sc_todo_start tool do? +

Mark a task as being actively worked on.. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Mcp Spec Cli MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on sc_todo_start? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for sc_todo_start. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Mcp Spec Cli MCP server.

What risk level is sc_todo_start? +

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

Can I rate-limit sc_todo_start? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the sc_todo_start 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.

How do I block sc_todo_start completely? +

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for sc_todo_start. 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 sc_todo_start? +

sc_todo_start is provided by the Mcp Spec Cli MCP server (mcp-spec-cli). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policies on Mcp Spec Cli