materialize_plan_steps · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What materialize_plan_steps does on Todos

AI agents use materialize_plan_steps 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 materialize_plan_steps needs a policy

This tool creates new task objects by decomposing a plan into constituent steps. While reversible (tasks can be deleted), it modifies the task management system by introducing new entities. It does not execute arbitrary code or have destructive/financial implications, making Write the most appropriate category.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it "Split plan into ordered step tasks" which involves creating new task entities. The verbs "split" and the action of generating "step tasks" indicate data creation/modification operations.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

materialize_plan_steps Rate-limited

materialize_plan_steps 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": {
    "materialize_plan_steps": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "materialize_plan_steps_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 materialize_plan_steps

What does the materialize_plan_steps tool do? +

Split plan into ordered step tasks with sequential or parallel execution. 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 materialize_plan_steps? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit materialize_plan_steps? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the materialize_plan_steps 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 materialize_plan_steps completely? +

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

materialize_plan_steps 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.