request_approval · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What request_approval does on Todos

AI agents use request_approval 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 request_approval needs a policy

This tool creates or submits an approval request, which is a reversible write action (creating a pending approval record). It does not delete data, execute code, or involve financial transactions. The severity is medium because an AI agent misusing this could trigger unintended workflow approvals or spam approval queues, but it does not have destructive or financial consequences.

From the tool's definition Request approval for task start, completion, checkpoint, or plan step.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

request_approval Rate-limited

request_approval 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": {
    "request_approval": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "request_approval_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 request_approval

What does the request_approval tool do? +

Request approval for task start, completion, checkpoint, or plan step. 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 request_approval? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit request_approval? +

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

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

request_approval 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.