create_merge_request · Qodev Gitlab MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_merge_request does on Qodev Gitlab

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_merge_request needs a policy

Creating a merge request is a reversible write operation that modifies repository state by introducing a new code review artifact. It does not delete data (Destructive), move money (Financial), or execute arbitrary code (Execute)—though merge requests can trigger CI/CD pipelines, the tool itself just creates the request object.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'create_merge_request' which creates a new merge request in GitLab. Description is empty, but the name and context (GitLab MCP server for managing merge requests) clearly indicate this creates new data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_merge_request Rate-limited

create_merge_request 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_merge_request": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_merge_request_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 Qodev Gitlab, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_merge_request

What does the create_merge_request tool do? +

create_merge_request. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Qodev Gitlab 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_merge_request? +

Register the Qodev Gitlab MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_merge_request: 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 Qodev Gitlab. Nothing to install.

What risk level is create_merge_request? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_merge_request? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_merge_request 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_merge_request completely? +

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

create_merge_request is provided by the Qodev Gitlab MCP server (qodevai/gitlab-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.