// MCP TOOL REFERENCE

start_live_activity

Start an iOS Live Activity and deliver it to a specific device subscription.

High parameter count (18 properties); Single-target operation

Part of the OneSignal MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

// WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL

AI agents invoke start_live_activity to trigger processes or run actions in OneSignal. 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 START_LIVE_ACTIVITY

start_live_activity 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.

onesignal-onesignal.yaml

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

See the full OneSignal policy for all 31 tools.

// DETAILS

Tool Name start_live_activity

Category Execute

MCP Server OneSignal MCP Server

Risk Level High

// MORE ONESIGNAL TOOLS

Financial transfer_subscription Write create_alias_by_subscription Write create_or_update_alias Write create_segment Write create_subscription Write create_template Write create_user Write export_audience_activity_csv

View all 31 tools →

// WHAT CAN GO WRONG

Agents calling execute-class tools like start_live_activity 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.

Atv build_stake_tx Atv build_unstake_tx Acdp start_local Pentagonal pentagonal_audit Pentagonal pentagonal_compile ACR — Agent Composition Records orient_me

// IN CONTEXT OF HIGH RISK

start_live_activity is one of the high-risk operations in OneSignal. 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 start_live_activity tool do? +

Start an iOS Live Activity and deliver it to a specific device subscription.. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the OneSignal MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on start_live_activity? +

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

What risk level is start_live_activity? +

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

Can I rate-limit start_live_activity? +

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

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

start_live_activity is provided by the OneSignal MCP server (onesignal/onesignal). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

start_live_activity

Let agents act without letting them run wild.