add_omnifocus_task · Codex Omnifocus MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_omnifocus_task does on Codex Omnifocus

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_omnifocus_task needs a policy

This tool creates new tasks in the OmniFocus database, which is a reversible data modification. It does not delete or destroy data (Destructive), does not execute arbitrary code (Execute), and does not involve financial transactions (Financial).

From the tool's definition Tool description states it will 'Create a NEW task in OmniFocus', which is explicitly a write operation that creates data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_omnifocus_task Rate-limited

add_omnifocus_task 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": {
    "add_omnifocus_task": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_omnifocus_task_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 Codex Omnifocus, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_omnifocus_task

What does the add_omnifocus_task tool do? +

Create a NEW task in OmniFocus. Search first when a matching task may already exist; move/edit existing tasks instead of duplicating them. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Codex Omnifocus MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on add_omnifocus_task? +

Register the Codex Omnifocus MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_omnifocus_task: 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 Codex Omnifocus. Nothing to install.

What risk level is add_omnifocus_task? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_omnifocus_task? +

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

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

add_omnifocus_task is provided by the Codex Omnifocus MCP server (phd-peter/codex-omnifocus-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.