add_task_file · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_task_file does on Todos

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_task_file needs a policy

This tool creates or updates associations between files and tasks (upsert operation), which is reversible data modification. It does not execute code, delete data, or move money. While it tracks file references and detects conflicts, the core action is writing metadata.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Link[s] a file path to a task' and 'Upserts if same task+path exists', indicating creation or modification of task-file associations.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_task_file Rate-limited

add_task_file 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_task_file": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_task_file_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 Todos, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_task_file

What does the add_task_file tool do? +

Link a file path to a task. Tracks which files an agent is working on. Upserts if same task+path exists. Auto-detects conflicts with other in-progress tasks. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Todos 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_task_file? +

Register the Todos MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_task_file: 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 Todos. Nothing to install.

What risk level is add_task_file? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_task_file? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the add_task_file 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_task_file completely? +

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

add_task_file is provided by the Todos MCP server (@hasna/todos). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.