start_debug_loop · Dev Loop MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What start_debug_loop does on Dev Loop

AI agents invoke start_debug_loop to trigger actions in Dev Loop. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why start_debug_loop needs a policy

This tool initiates an automated debug loop, which will execute diagnostic code, modify files, run tests, and potentially alter the codebase based on AI interpretation of a symptom description. This is Execute category because it triggers external operations (debugging, testing, file modifications) whose specific effects depend on user-provided arguments and AI decision-making.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Start[s] a debug loop from a symptom description' and 'Returns an instruction'.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

start_debug_loop Rate-limited

start_debug_loop stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "start_debug_loop": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "start_debug_loop_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Dev Loop, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about start_debug_loop

What does the start_debug_loop tool do? +

Start a debug loop from a symptom description. Returns an instruction. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Dev Loop MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on start_debug_loop? +

Register the Dev Loop MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for start_debug_loop: 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 Dev Loop. Nothing to install.

What risk level is start_debug_loop? +

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

Can I rate-limit start_debug_loop? +

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

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

start_debug_loop is provided by the Dev Loop MCP server (soynog/dev-loop-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.