recover_stale_session_handoff · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What recover_stale_session_handoff does on Todos

AI agents use recover_stale_session_handoff 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 recover_stale_session_handoff needs a policy

This tool creates a new handoff object for session recovery purposes. Creating or generating new data structures is a Write operation. Severity is medium because while it creates data, it operates on recovery/local state without irreversible deletion or external financial/execution consequences.

From the tool's definition Tool name contains 'recover' and 'handoff' suggesting it creates or modifies handoff state. Description states 'Create a local recovery handoff' which indicates a create operation that generates new data structures.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

recover_stale_session_handoff Rate-limited

recover_stale_session_handoff 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": {
    "recover_stale_session_handoff": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "recover_stale_session_handoff_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 recover_stale_session_handoff

What does the recover_stale_session_handoff tool do? +

Create a local recovery handoff from an agent. 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 recover_stale_session_handoff? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit recover_stale_session_handoff? +

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

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

recover_stale_session_handoff 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.