update_task
A write tool on the Metis Public Health MCP server.
This record as markdown: /tools/sveritg-metis-ph/update-task.md
What update_task does on Metis Public Health
AI agents use update_task to create or update resources in Metis Public Health, usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Metis Public Health environment.
Why update_task is rated Medium
The "update" verb classifies this as a Write action (reversible modification). Without a description, we cannot determine if task updates might have cascading effects, financial implications, or destructive potential. Severity is medium because task updates in a research/health context could affect workflows, but are typically reversible.
From the tool's definition Tool name is "update_task" — the verb "update" indicates modification of existing data. The description is empty, providing no additional detail about scope or constraints.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs update_task safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Metis Public Health, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For update_task, this is the rule to start with:
update_task 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.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Metis Public Health, apply this rule, and every update_task call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about update_task
update_task is a write tool on the Metis Public Health MCP server. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Metis Public Health MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the Metis Public Health MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update_task: 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 Metis Public Health. Nothing to install.
update_task is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_task 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for update_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.
update_task is provided by the Metis Public Health MCP server (sveritg/metis_ph). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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