start_session_timer · Rize MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What start_session_timer does on Rize

AI agents invoke start_session_timer to trigger actions in Rize. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why start_session_timer needs a policy

This tool executes a command to initiate a session timer in the Rize time-tracking system. While not destructive or financial, it is an Execute action because it triggers a state change in an external system (starting a timer).

From the tool's definition Tool 'start_session_timer' performs an action that "Start[s] a new focus session timer" — this triggers an external operation (initiating a timing mechanism) whose effects depend on when and how it's invoked.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

start_session_timer Rate-limited

start_session_timer stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "start_session_timer": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "start_session_timer_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Rize, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about start_session_timer

What does the start_session_timer tool do? +

Start a new focus session timer. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Rize MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on start_session_timer? +

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

What risk level is start_session_timer? +

start_session_timer is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit start_session_timer? +

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

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

start_session_timer is provided by the Rize MCP server (rize-io/mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.