import_handoff · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What import_handoff does on Todos

AI agents use import_handoff 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_handoff needs a policy

The tool can either preview (read) or apply (write) a handoff bundle. Since the most severe applicable action is 'apply', which modifies/creates data reversibly, this falls under Write. The preview mode is benign, but the apply mode introduces state changes. No indication of irreversible deletion or financial action.

From the tool's definition 'Preview or apply a deterministic local handoff bundle' — the 'apply' action creates or modifies task/handoff data

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

import_handoff Rate-limited

import_handoff 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_handoff": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "import_handoff_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_handoff

What does the import_handoff tool do? +

Preview or apply a deterministic local handoff bundle. 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_handoff? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit import_handoff? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the import_handoff 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_handoff completely? +

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

import_handoff 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.