git_create_branch · Git MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What git_create_branch does on Git

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why git_create_branch needs a policy

Creating a Git branch modifies repository state by adding a new reference, but this is reversible—branches can be deleted without data loss. This fits the Write category (creates or modifies data reversibly). Severity is medium because misuse could create confusion, pollute the branch namespace, or interfere with workflows, but the damage is easily undone.

From the tool's definition Tool explicitly creates a branch from current HEAD or an explicit ref. Creating a branch is a write operation that modifies the repository structure by adding a new ref, which is reversible through branch deletion.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

git_create_branch Rate-limited

git_create_branch 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": {
    "git_create_branch": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "git_create_branch_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, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about git_create_branch

What does the git_create_branch tool do? +

Create a branch from current HEAD or an explicit ref. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Git MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on git_create_branch? +

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

What risk level is git_create_branch? +

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

Can I rate-limit git_create_branch? +

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

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

git_create_branch is provided by the Git MCP server (selfagency/git-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.