link_work_items · Ado MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What link_work_items does on Ado

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why link_work_items needs a policy

Based on the tool name alone, 'link_work_items' most likely creates associations between Azure DevOps work items. This is a Write operation as it modifies data (creates links) but is generally reversible (links can be removed). Confidence is lowered due to empty description. Severity is medium as misuse could create incorrect work item relationships affecting project tracking.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'link_work_items' suggests creating relationships/links between work items, which is a reversible write operation. Description is empty and uninformative.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

link_work_items Rate-limited

link_work_items 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": {
    "link_work_items": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "link_work_items_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 Ado, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about link_work_items

What does the link_work_items tool do? +

link_work_items. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Ado MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on link_work_items? +

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

What risk level is link_work_items? +

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

Can I rate-limit link_work_items? +

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

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

link_work_items is provided by the Ado MCP server (raboley/ado-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.