release_task · State Trace MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What release_task does on State Trace

AI agents use release_task 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 release_task needs a policy

This tool modifies the state of a task by returning it to the queue, reversing a claimed status. It is a reversible state change (Write), not destructive. Misuse could disrupt task scheduling or workflow ordering, hence medium severity.

From the tool's definition Release a claimed task back to the queue without consuming an attempt

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

release_task Rate-limited

release_task 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": {
    "release_task": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "release_task_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 release_task

What does the release_task tool do? +

Release a claimed task back to the queue without consuming an attempt. 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 release_task? +

Register the State Trace MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for release_task: 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 release_task? +

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

Can I rate-limit release_task? +

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

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

release_task 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.