merge_duplicate_task · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What merge_duplicate_task does on Todos

AI agents use merge_duplicate_task 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 merge_duplicate_task needs a policy

The tool creates or modifies data by consolidating one task into another and reorganizing associated metadata (comments, dependencies, files, runs, artifacts). While this is reversible (data is preserved, not deleted), it substantially alters task structure and relationships.

From the tool's definition "Merge a duplicate local task into a primary task while preserving comments, dependencies, runs, files, inbox items, and verification evidence." — the tool modifies multiple interconnected data structures (merges tasks, preserves relationships and artifacts).

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

merge_duplicate_task Rate-limited

merge_duplicate_task 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": {
    "merge_duplicate_task": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "merge_duplicate_task_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 merge_duplicate_task

What does the merge_duplicate_task tool do? +

Merge a duplicate local task into a primary task while preserving comments, dependencies, runs, files, inbox items, and verification evidence. 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 merge_duplicate_task? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit merge_duplicate_task? +

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

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

merge_duplicate_task 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.