create_inbox_item · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_inbox_item does on Todos

AI agents use create_inbox_item 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_inbox_item needs a policy

This tool creates new inbox items and associated tasks, which is a reversible write operation. While it modifies system state by adding data, it does not delete, execute arbitrary code, move funds, or perform irreversible actions. The medium severity reflects that creating spurious tasks could clutter the system and potentially mislead an AI agent's workflow, but the impact is limited and reversible through deletion.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Capture[s] a local inbox item' and 'Creates a linked task by default,' indicating it creates and modifies data in the task management system.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_inbox_item Rate-limited

create_inbox_item 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_inbox_item": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_inbox_item_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_inbox_item

What does the create_inbox_item tool do? +

Capture a local inbox item from pasted errors, CI logs, git context, files, or GitHub issue URLs. Creates a linked task by default. 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_inbox_item? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit create_inbox_item? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_inbox_item 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_inbox_item completely? +

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

create_inbox_item 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.