AI agents call list_tasks to retrieve information from Smokeball without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves task data from the Smokeball practice management system without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing operations. It is a straightforward query operation that matches the Read category definition of retrieving or querying data with no side effects.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'list_tasks' and description states 'List tasks. Filter by matter_id to get matter-specific tasks.' The verb 'list' and the action of filtering/retrieving tasks are retrieval operations with no data modification or side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List tasks. Filter by matter_id to get matter-specific tasks. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Smokeball MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Smokeball MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_tasks: 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 Smokeball. Nothing to install.
list_tasks is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the list_tasks 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for list_tasks. 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.
list_tasks is provided by the Smokeball MCP server (rosenadvertising/smokeball-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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