branch_protect · Git Steer MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What branch_protect does on Git Steer

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why branch_protect needs a policy

Applying branch protection rules modifies repository settings by enforcing or changing access controls, merge requirements, and push restrictions. This is a Write operation (creates/modifies configuration reversibly), but carries high severity because misconfiguring protection rules could expose critical branches to unauthorized pushes, force-pushes, or bypass of required reviews, potentially compromising repository…

From the tool's definition Apply branch protection rules

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

branch_protect Rate-limited

branch_protect 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": {
    "branch_protect": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "branch_protect_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 Git Steer, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about branch_protect

What does the branch_protect tool do? +

Apply branch protection rules. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Git Steer MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on branch_protect? +

Register the Git Steer MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for branch_protect: 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 Git Steer. Nothing to install.

What risk level is branch_protect? +

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

Can I rate-limit branch_protect? +

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

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

branch_protect is provided by the Git Steer MCP server (ry-ops/git-steer). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.