High Risk →

start_handoff

Start a sequential delegation handoff from a delegation-eligible intent plan

Part of the ThumbGate MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

AI agents invoke start_handoff to trigger processes or run actions in ThumbGate. Execute operations can have side effects beyond the immediate call -- triggering builds, sending notifications, or starting workflows. Rate limits and argument validation are essential to prevent runaway execution.

start_handoff can trigger processes with real-world consequences. An uncontrolled agent might start dozens of builds, send mass notifications, or kick off expensive compute jobs. Intercept enforces rate limits and validates arguments to keep execution within safe bounds.

Execute tools trigger processes. Rate-limit and validate arguments to prevent unintended side effects.

rlhf-loop-mcp-memory-gateway-v2.yaml
tools:
  start_handoff:
    rules:
      - action: allow
        rate_limit:
          max: 10
          window: 60
        validate:
          required_args: true

See the full ThumbGate policy for all 29 tools.

Tool Name start_handoff
Category Execute
Risk Level High

View all 29 tools →

Agents calling execute-class tools like start_handoff have been implicated in these attack patterns. Read the full case and prevention policy for each:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

Other tools in the Execute risk category across the catalogue. The same policy patterns (rate-limit, validate) apply to each.

start_handoff is one of the high-risk operations in ThumbGate. For the full severity-focused view — only the high-risk tools with their recommended policies — see the breakdown for this server, or browse all high-risk tools across every MCP server.

What does the start_handoff tool do? +

Start a sequential delegation handoff from a delegation-eligible intent plan. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the ThumbGate 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_handoff? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for start_handoff. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the ThumbGate MCP server.

What risk level is start_handoff? +

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

Can I rate-limit start_handoff? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the start_handoff rule in your Intercept 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_handoff completely? +

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for start_handoff. 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_handoff? +

start_handoff is provided by the ThumbGate MCP server (rlhf-loop/mcp-memory-gateway-v2). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policies on ThumbGate

Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.

npx -y @policylayer/intercept
github.com/policylayer/intercept →
// GET IN TOUCH

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