bootstrap_workspace · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What bootstrap_workspace does on Todos

AI agents use bootstrap_workspace 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 bootstrap_workspace needs a policy

The tool creates and initializes project files and data structures (identity, task list, todos.md, manifest). This is a Write operation as it creates new data/files. It's reversible in the sense that files could be deleted, but the primary action is creation/initialization.

From the tool's definition Bootstrap local todos project: register identity, default task list, todos.md, manifest.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

bootstrap_workspace Rate-limited

bootstrap_workspace 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": {
    "bootstrap_workspace": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "bootstrap_workspace_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 bootstrap_workspace

What does the bootstrap_workspace tool do? +

Bootstrap local todos project: register identity, default task list, todos.md, manifest. 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 bootstrap_workspace? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit bootstrap_workspace? +

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

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

bootstrap_workspace 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.