update_issue_priority · Linear MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_issue_priority does on Linear

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why update_issue_priority needs a policy

This tool modifies an existing issue's priority field reversibly. It does not delete data (ruling out Destructive), does not execute arbitrary code (ruling out Execute), and does not involve financial transactions (ruling out Financial). The Write category applies because priority updates are reversible changes to issue metadata.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'update_issue_priority' and description 'Update the priority of an existing issue in Linear' indicate modification of existing data. The server description confirms 'full CRUD operations' including updates.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_issue_priority Rate-limited

update_issue_priority 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": {
    "update_issue_priority": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_issue_priority_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 Linear, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about update_issue_priority

What does the update_issue_priority tool do? +

Update the priority of an existing issue in Linear. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Linear MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on update_issue_priority? +

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

What risk level is update_issue_priority? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_issue_priority? +

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

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

update_issue_priority is provided by the Linear MCP server (mkusaka/mcp-server-linear). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.