AI agents call list_workflow_states 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 queries and returns workflow state information without modifying, creating, deleting, or executing any operations. It is purely informational retrieval with no capability to alter system state or trigger external actions.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_workflow_states' and description 'List local project workflow states' indicate a retrieval operation with no side effects. The verb 'list' is explicitly a Read operation.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List local project workflow states mapped onto canonical task statuses. 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_workflow_states: 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_workflow_states 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_workflow_states 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_workflow_states. 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_workflow_states 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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