approve_task · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What approve_task does on Todos

AI agents use approve_task 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 approve_task needs a policy

The tool modifies task records by changing their approval status and recording approval metadata. This is a Write operation—it creates or modifies data reversibly. While it affects workflow state, it does not execute arbitrary code, delete data irreversibly, or commit financial obligations.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Approve a task' and 'Records who approved it', indicating a modification of task state (approval status) and metadata (approver information). This is a reversible state change, not data deletion or financial impact.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

approve_task Rate-limited

approve_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.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "approve_task": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "approve_task_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 approve_task

What does the approve_task tool do? +

Approve a task that requires_approval. Records who approved it. 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 approve_task? +

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

What risk level is approve_task? +

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

Can I rate-limit approve_task? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the approve_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.

How do I block approve_task completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for approve_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.

What MCP server provides approve_task? +

approve_task 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.