pause_session · TDD- MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What pause_session does on TDD-MCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why pause_session needs a policy

Pausing a session modifies session state reversibly—it can be resumed (as evidenced by the sibling tool 'resume_session'). This is a state change operation without destructive intent, placing it in the Write category. The severity is low because pausing a TDD session has minimal blast radius: it simply suspends progress tracking without affecting code, data, or external systems. The action is easily reversible.

From the tool's definition Tool pauses (modifies the state of) the current active session, changing it from active to paused. The server description indicates 'session state management and phase transitions,' confirming that pause_session performs a state modification operation.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

pause_session Rate-limited

pause_session 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": {
    "pause_session": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "pause_session_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 TDD-MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about pause_session

What does the pause_session tool do? +

Pause the current active session. It is categorised as a Write tool in the TDD-MCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on pause_session? +

Register the TDD- MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for pause_session: 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 TDD-MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is pause_session? +

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

Can I rate-limit pause_session? +

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

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

pause_session is provided by the TDD- MCP server (tinmancoding/tdd-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.