task_add · Outpost MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What task_add does on Outpost

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why task_add needs a policy

This tool creates new data (a task) in the user's Microsoft To Do system. The action is reversible (the task can be deleted), produces no irreversible side effects, and does not execute arbitrary code or move money. It clearly falls under Write operations that create or modify data reversibly.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Add a new task to Microsoft To Do' — explicitly a creation operation that modifies the task list by appending a new reversible entry.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

task_add Rate-limited

task_add 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": {
    "task_add": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "task_add_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 Outpost, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about task_add

What does the task_add tool do? +

Add a new task to Microsoft To Do. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Outpost MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on task_add? +

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

What risk level is task_add? +

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

Can I rate-limit task_add? +

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

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

task_add is provided by the Outpost MCP server (signalclaude/outpost). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.