append_run_command · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What append_run_command does on Todos

AI agents use append_run_command 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 append_run_command needs a policy

This tool appends/writes data (command entries and output) to an existing run record. It is a reversible write operation that adds log/audit data to a record rather than executing commands or deleting anything. Severity is low as it only modifies task run records within a task management system.

From the tool's definition Append a command entry and optional stdout/stderr to a run record

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

append_run_command Rate-limited

append_run_command 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": {
    "append_run_command": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "append_run_command_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 append_run_command

What does the append_run_command tool do? +

Append a command entry and optional stdout/stderr to a run record (redacted). 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 append_run_command? +

Register the Todos MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for append_run_command: 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 append_run_command? +

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

Can I rate-limit append_run_command? +

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

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

append_run_command 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.