import_external_issues · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What import_external_issues does on Todos

AI agents use import_external_issues 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 import_external_issues needs a policy

This tool creates new task/issue records by importing from external sources. While it is reversible (imported issues can be deleted or modified), it durably modifies the local task database. This is a Write operation rather than Read (it doesn't just fetch data) or Execute (it doesn't run arbitrary code).

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'apply local imports from GitHub, Linear, Jira, or plain URL issue data' - the 'apply' verb indicates creating or modifying data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

import_external_issues Rate-limited

import_external_issues 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": {
    "import_external_issues": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "import_external_issues_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 import_external_issues

What does the import_external_issues tool do? +

Dry-run or apply local imports from GitHub, Linear, Jira, or plain URL issue data with source-metadata dedupe. 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 import_external_issues? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit import_external_issues? +

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

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

import_external_issues 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.