task_lists_create · Outpost MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What task_lists_create does on Outpost

AI agents use task_lists_create 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_lists_create needs a policy

The tool creates a new task list, which is a write operation that modifies the user's task management system. It is reversible (the list can be deleted) and has minimal blast radius if an AI agent creates unwanted task lists. No data is destroyed, no code is executed, and no financial transactions occur, so Write is the appropriate category over more severe ones.

From the tool's definition Tool name includes 'create' and description states 'Create a new task list in Microsoft To Do.' This is a reversible data creation operation.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

task_lists_create Rate-limited

task_lists_create 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_lists_create": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "task_lists_create_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_lists_create

What does the task_lists_create tool do? +

Create a new task list in 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_lists_create? +

Register the Outpost MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for task_lists_create: 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_lists_create? +

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

Can I rate-limit task_lists_create? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the task_lists_create 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_lists_create completely? +

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

task_lists_create 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.