create_handoff_packet · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_handoff_packet does on Todos

AI agents use create_handoff_packet 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 create_handoff_packet needs a policy

This tool creates and writes a new data structure (handoff packet) to local storage. This is a reversible write operation with no destructive or financial impact. The 'medium' severity reflects that misuse could create unwanted handoff packets that clutter the system or misdirect work, but the impact is limited to local data creation without cascading external effects.

From the tool's definition The tool description states it "Build[s] and persist[s] a handoff packet locally" — the verbs "build" and "persist" indicate creation and storage of data. The context of a task management system suggests this creates handoff records or state artifacts.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_handoff_packet Rate-limited

create_handoff_packet 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": {
    "create_handoff_packet": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_handoff_packet_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 create_handoff_packet

What does the create_handoff_packet tool do? +

Build and persist a handoff packet locally. 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 create_handoff_packet? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit create_handoff_packet? +

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

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

create_handoff_packet 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.