set_iteration · Az Devops Cli MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What set_iteration does on Az Devops Cli

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why set_iteration needs a policy

This tool modifies an existing work item by changing its iteration assignment, which is a reversible write operation. It does not delete data (ruling out Destructive), execute arbitrary code (ruling out Execute), involve financial transactions (ruling out Financial), or merely read data (ruling out Read).

From the tool's definition 'Assign a work item to a sprint iteration' indicates modification of work item metadata (iteration field). This is a state-changing operation that updates project management data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

set_iteration Rate-limited

set_iteration 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": {
    "set_iteration": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_iteration_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 Az Devops Cli, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about set_iteration

What does the set_iteration tool do? +

Assign a work item to a sprint iteration. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Az Devops Cli MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on set_iteration? +

Register the Az Devops Cli MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for set_iteration: 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 Az Devops Cli. Nothing to install.

What risk level is set_iteration? +

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

Can I rate-limit set_iteration? +

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

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

set_iteration is provided by the Az Devops Cli MCP server (praisesinkamba/az-devops-cli-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.