create_section · Todoist MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_section does on Todoist

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_section needs a policy

Creating a section in a project is a write operation that adds new organizational structure to a Todoist workspace. While reversible (distinguishing it from Destructive), it modifies the user's task management system. Severity is medium because misuse could clutter or disorganize a project, but the impact is limited to structural organization rather than data integrity or financial consequences.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'create_section' and description 'Create a new section in a project' indicate creation of new data structure within Todoist. This is a reversible modification—sections can be deleted or reorganized without permanent data loss.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_section Rate-limited

create_section 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": {
    "create_section": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_section_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 Todoist, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_section

What does the create_section tool do? +

Create a new section in a project. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Todoist MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on create_section? +

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

What risk level is create_section? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_section? +

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

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

create_section is provided by the Todoist MCP server (sjvadrevu/todoist-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.