set_goal · AGI- MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What set_goal does on AGI-MCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why set_goal needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies goal state in the persistent system, which is a Write-category operation. It is not destructive (goals can presumably be removed or overridden), not financial, and not directly executing arbitrary code.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'set_goal' and description 'Define a new goal for the AGI system to pursue' indicate creation of new data structures (goals) within the system's cognitive architecture. This is a reversible modification operation.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

set_goal Rate-limited

set_goal 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": {
    "set_goal": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_goal_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 AGI-MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about set_goal

What does the set_goal tool do? +

Define a new goal for the AGI system to pursue. It is categorised as a Write tool in the AGI-MCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on set_goal? +

Register the AGI- MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for set_goal: 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 AGI-MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is set_goal? +

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

Can I rate-limit set_goal? +

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

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

set_goal is provided by the AGI- MCP server (muah1987/agi-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.