scratchpad_start · TTG Scratchpad MCP Server MCP

WHAT IT DOES

What scratchpad_start does on TTG Scratchpad MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why scratchpad_start needs a policy

This tool creates a new workspace/task, which is a Write operation (creating new data). It does not delete, execute code, or move money. The blast radius is medium since it creates isolated user environments with MongoDB storage and activity logging, but misuse is limited to resource creation rather than data loss or financial impact.

From the tool's definition Start a new scratchpad task/workspace

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

scratchpad_start Rate-limited

scratchpad_start 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": {
    "scratchpad_start": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "scratchpad_start_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 TTG Scratchpad MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about scratchpad_start

What does the scratchpad_start tool do? +

Start a new scratchpad task/workspace. It is categorised as a Write tool in the TTG Scratchpad MCP 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 scratchpad_start? +

Register the TTG Scratchpad MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for scratchpad_start: 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 TTG Scratchpad MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is scratchpad_start? +

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

Can I rate-limit scratchpad_start? +

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

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for scratchpad_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 scratchpad_start? +

scratchpad_start is provided by the TTG Scratchpad MCP Server MCP server (mrgizmo212/scratchpad-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.