pause_loop · Scrumdo MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What pause_loop does on Scrumdo

AI agents invoke pause_loop to trigger actions in Scrumdo. 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 pause_loop needs a policy

The tool controls active system processes by pausing loop execution, which is an external operation that affects running state. While not destructive (reversible via resume), it is an Execute action because it manipulates ongoing operations whose effects depend on system state. The medium severity reflects that pausing loops could disrupt workflows but is generally reversible and non-destructive.

From the tool's definition 'Pause a loop — stop dispatching new runs' indicates this tool triggers a state change operation that affects the execution flow of background processes or automated workflows

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

pause_loop Rate-limited

pause_loop 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": {
    "pause_loop": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "pause_loop_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 Scrumdo, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about pause_loop

What does the pause_loop tool do? +

Pause a loop — stop dispatching new runs (an in-flight run finishes;. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Scrumdo MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on pause_loop? +

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

What risk level is pause_loop? +

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

Can I rate-limit pause_loop? +

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

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

pause_loop is provided by the Scrumdo MCP server (scrumdollc/scrumdo-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.