import_template · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What import_template does on Todos

AI agents use import_template 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_template needs a policy

This tool creates new templates from imported JSON data, which is a reversible write operation. It does not delete data (not Destructive), execute arbitrary code (not Execute), involve financial transactions (not Financial), or retrieve data without side effects (not Read).

From the tool's definition The tool description states it "Creates new template with new IDs", indicating it creates/modifies data through importing a JSON template structure.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

import_template Rate-limited

import_template 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_template": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "import_template_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_template

What does the import_template tool do? +

Import a template from a JSON string (as returned by export_template). Creates new template with new IDs. 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_template? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit import_template? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the import_template 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_template completely? +

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

import_template 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.