import_todos_md · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What import_todos_md does on Todos

AI agents use import_todos_md 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_todos_md needs a policy

The import operation creates or adds new task records into the system based on external markdown file content. This is a Write operation as it modifies the system state by adding/creating data. Severity is medium because uncontrolled imports could flood the system with tasks or introduce malformed data, but the operation is reversible (tasks can be deleted).

From the tool's definition Tool name 'import_todos_md' and description 'Import tasks from a local todos.md markdown file' indicates it reads external data and writes/creates tasks into the task management system.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

import_todos_md Rate-limited

import_todos_md 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_todos_md": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "import_todos_md_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_todos_md

What does the import_todos_md tool do? +

Import tasks from a local todos.md markdown file. 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_todos_md? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit import_todos_md? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the import_todos_md 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_todos_md completely? +

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

import_todos_md 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.