create_run · State Trace MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_run does on State Trace

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_run needs a policy

This tool creates new data structures in the state-trace system but does not delete, overwrite irreversibly, move money, or execute external code. It is reversible (runs can be cancelled via cancel_run and deleted via other cleanup mechanisms), making it a Write rather than Destructive operation.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Create a durable run' — the verb 'create' indicates data creation, which is a write operation. The tool constructs a new persistent object (a run) that groups tasks and may initialize context snapshots.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_run Rate-limited

create_run 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_run": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_run_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 State Trace, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_run

What does the create_run tool do? +

Create a durable run that groups tasks. Optionally seeds an initial context snapshot. It is categorised as a Write tool in the State Trace 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_run? +

Register the State Trace MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_run: 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 State Trace. Nothing to install.

What risk level is create_run? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_run? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_run 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_run completely? +

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

create_run is provided by the State Trace MCP server (agent-pattern-labs/state-trace). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.