AI agents call list_handoffs 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 or queries existing handoff data without modifying, deleting, or executing anything. It is purely informational and has no blast radius if misused by an AI agent—the worst outcome is information disclosure of handoff records.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_handoffs' and description 'List local session handoffs, optionally only unread for an agent' clearly indicates a retrieval operation with no side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List local session handoffs, optionally only unread for an agent. 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 list_handoffs: 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.
list_handoffs 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 list_handoffs 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 list_handoffs. 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.
list_handoffs 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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