create_tag · Codex Omnifocus MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_tag does on Codex Omnifocus

AI agents use create_tag 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 create_tag needs a policy

Creating a tag is a reversible write operation that adds data to the system. It does not execute arbitrary code, delete data, or move money. Tags are metadata entities that can be edited or removed, making this a Write rather than Destructive action.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Create a new tag in OmniFocus', which is a create operation that modifies the OmniFocus database by adding a new tag structure.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_tag Rate-limited

create_tag 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_tag": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_tag_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 create_tag

What does the create_tag tool do? +

Create a new tag in OmniFocus, optionally nested under an existing parent tag. 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 create_tag? +

Register the Codex Omnifocus MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_tag: 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 create_tag? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_tag? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_tag 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_tag completely? +

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

create_tag 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.