// MCP TOOL REFERENCE

task

Run a task with a background agent in a sandboxed container

Part of the Flash MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

// WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL

AI agents invoke task to trigger processes or run actions in Flash. Execute operations can have side effects beyond the immediate call -- triggering builds, sending notifications, or starting workflows. Rate limits and argument validation are essential to prevent runaway execution.

// WHY ENFORCE A POLICY ON TASK

task can trigger processes with real-world consequences. An uncontrolled agent might start dozens of builds, send mass notifications, or kick off expensive compute jobs. Intercept enforces rate limits and validates arguments to keep execution within safe bounds.

// RECOMMENDED POLICY

Execute tools trigger processes. Rate-limit and validate arguments to prevent unintended side effects.

smithery-ai-flash.yaml

tools:
  task:
    rules:
      - action: allow
        rate_limit:
          max: 10
          window: 60
        validate:
          required_args: true

See the full Flash policy for all 1 tools.

// DETAILS

Tool Name task

Category Execute

MCP Server Flash MCP Server

Risk Level High

// WHAT CAN GO WRONG

Agents calling execute-class tools like task have been implicated in these attack patterns. Read the full case and prevention policy for each:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

// OTHER EXECUTE TOOLS ACROSS MCP SERVERS

Other tools in the Execute risk category across the catalogue. The same policy patterns (rate-limit, validate) apply to each.

Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents commerce_preflight Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents execute_with_context Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents gateway_execute_approval Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents governance_360 Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents parse_governance_block_html AgentClear — API Marketplace for AI Agents call_service

// IN CONTEXT OF HIGH RISK

task is one of the high-risk operations in Flash. For the full severity-focused view — only the high-risk tools with their recommended policies — see the breakdown for this server, or browse all high-risk tools across every MCP server.

// RELATED READING

// FAQ

What does the task tool do? +

Run a task with a background agent in a sandboxed container. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Flash MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on task? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for task. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Flash MCP server.

What risk level is task? +

task is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit task? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the task rule in your Intercept 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 completely? +

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for task. 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? +

task is provided by the Flash MCP server (smithery-ai/flash). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

task

Enforce policies on Flash