strings_create_branch · Phrase MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What strings_create_branch does on Phrase

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why strings_create_branch needs a policy

The tool creates new data structures (branches) within a localization project, which is a reversible write operation. While the description warns of resource consumption and long execution time, the operation itself is not destructive (branches can be deleted) and doesn't permanently erase data.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'strings_create_branch' and description explicitly states 'Create a new branch in a Phrase Strings project' and 'Creating a branch copies all keys and translations from the main branch.' This is a data creation operation that modifies project state…

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

strings_create_branch Rate-limited

strings_create_branch 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": {
    "strings_create_branch": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "strings_create_branch_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

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PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Phrase, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about strings_create_branch

What does the strings_create_branch tool do? +

Create a new branch in a Phrase Strings project. WARNING: Creating a branch copies all keys and translations from the main branch. This operation can take several minutes and consume significant resources on large projects. Only create a branch when explicitly requested by the user. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Phrase MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on strings_create_branch? +

Register the Phrase MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for strings_create_branch: 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 Phrase. Nothing to install.

What risk level is strings_create_branch? +

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

Can I rate-limit strings_create_branch? +

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

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

strings_create_branch is provided by the Phrase MCP server (phrase-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.