create_work_item · MCP DevOps Plan Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_work_item does on MCP DevOps Plan Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_work_item needs a policy

This tool creates (writes) new data reversibly—work items can be modified or deleted later. It does not execute arbitrary code, delete data irreversibly, or move financial assets. The 'medium' severity reflects that misuse could create unwanted work items, cluttering the system or triggering downstream processes, but the impact is recoverable and scoped to work item creation.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'create_work_item' and description 'Creates a new work item in Plan' indicate creation of new data in a DevOps/project management system. The server description confirms 'create, retrieve, filter, and delete work items' capabilities.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_work_item Rate-limited

create_work_item 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_work_item": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_work_item_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 DevOps Plan Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_work_item

What does the create_work_item tool do? +

Creates a new work item in Plan. It is categorised as a Write tool in the MCP DevOps Plan Server 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_work_item? +

Register the MCP DevOps Plan Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_work_item: 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 DevOps Plan Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is create_work_item? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_work_item? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_work_item 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_work_item completely? +

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

create_work_item is provided by the MCP DevOps Plan Server MCP server (mrchris2000/mcp-devops-plan). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.