AI agents call get_stale_tasks to retrieve information from Todos without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves information about stale tasks without side effects. It is a data retrieval operation consistent with the Read category. The incomplete description suggests a query for tasks matching stale criteria, which is a standard read operation. Low severity due to minimal blast radius—querying stale tasks poses no risk of data loss, financial impact, or unintended execution.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'get_stale_tasks' and description fragment 'Get tasks that haven[...]' indicate a retrieval/query operation with no modification or deletion of data.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Get tasks that haven. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Todos MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Todos MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for get_stale_tasks: 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.
get_stale_tasks is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the get_stale_tasks 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 get_stale_tasks. 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.
get_stale_tasks 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.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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