strings_sync_branch · Phrase MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What strings_sync_branch does on Phrase

AI agents invoke strings_sync_branch to trigger actions in Phrase. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why strings_sync_branch needs a policy

Syncing a branch with the main branch is an operation that modifies the branch's content by applying changes from the main branch. This is not a simple write (create/update of a discrete resource) but rather an external operation that reconciles two branches, potentially overwriting branch-specific changes. The effects depend on the current state of both branches.

From the tool's definition "Sync an existing branch with the main branch" — triggers a synchronization operation between branches, which modifies the branch state and can overwrite branch content with main branch data

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

strings_sync_branch Rate-limited

strings_sync_branch stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times 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_sync_branch": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "strings_sync_branch_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

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_sync_branch

What does the strings_sync_branch tool do? +

Sync an existing branch with the main branch of a Phrase Strings project. Note: Only available for branches created with new branching (currently in private beta). It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Phrase MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on strings_sync_branch? +

Register the Phrase MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for strings_sync_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_sync_branch? +

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

Can I rate-limit strings_sync_branch? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the strings_sync_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_sync_branch completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for strings_sync_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_sync_branch? +

strings_sync_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.