apply_failure_triage
Apply triage action: annotate, retry, reopen, split, or escalate on a failed task/run.
This record as markdown: /tools/todos/apply-failure-triage.md
What apply_failure_triage does on Todos
AI agents use apply_failure_triage 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 apply_failure_triage is rated Medium
This is a Write operation because it creates or modifies task/run data (annotations, status changes, task splits) without irreversible deletion. The actions are primarily metadata updates and state transitions. It does not execute arbitrary code or delete data permanently, so it is not Execute or Destructive.
From the tool's definition The tool applies triage actions that include 'annotate, retry, reopen, split, or escalate' on a failed task/run. These actions modify task state and metadata reversibly (adding annotations, changing task status, splitting tasks).
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs apply_failure_triage safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Todos, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For apply_failure_triage, this is the rule to start with:
apply_failure_triage 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 Todos, apply this rule, and every apply_failure_triage call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about apply_failure_triage
Apply triage action: annotate, retry, reopen, split, or escalate on a failed task/run. 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.
Register the Todos MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for apply_failure_triage: 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.
apply_failure_triage 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 apply_failure_triage 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 apply_failure_triage. 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.
apply_failure_triage 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.
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