add_todo · MCP Todo List Manager MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_todo does on MCP Todo List Manager

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_todo needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies data reversibly by adding a new todo item to a list. It does not execute arbitrary code, delete data irreversibly, move money, or perform other destructive operations. The impact is confined to appending a single todo entry with a timestamp, making it a Write operation. Severity is low because todo list modifications have minimal blast radius and are easily reversible.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'add_todo' and description 'Add a new todo item' indicate creation of new data. The server description confirms it 'Supports creating, completing, deleting, and listing todo items with automatic timestamp tracking and secure file permissions.'

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_todo Rate-limited

add_todo 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": {
    "add_todo": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_todo_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 MCP Todo List Manager, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_todo

What does the add_todo tool do? +

Add a new todo item with system timestamp. It is categorised as a Write tool in the MCP Todo List Manager MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on add_todo? +

Register the MCP Todo List Manager MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_todo: 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 MCP Todo List Manager. Nothing to install.

What risk level is add_todo? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_todo? +

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

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

add_todo is provided by the MCP Todo List Manager MCP server (sk0t31n0s/mcptodo). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.