require_approval_gate · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What require_approval_gate does on Todos

AI agents invoke require_approval_gate to trigger actions in Todos. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why require_approval_gate needs a policy

This tool is classified as Execute rather than Write because it doesn't simply create data (a checkpoint record), but rather implements a control flow mechanism that gates or triggers subsequent operations. The purpose is to enforce approval workflows before 'risky task or run work,' indicating it influences execution of other operations. While it creates a checkpoint, the primary function is operational control.

From the tool's definition 'Create a local manual approval checkpoint before risky task or run work' indicates this tool triggers an operation (checkpoint creation) that controls execution flow and gates subsequent work.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

require_approval_gate Rate-limited

require_approval_gate stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "require_approval_gate": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "require_approval_gate_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-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 require_approval_gate

What does the require_approval_gate tool do? +

Create a local manual approval checkpoint before risky task or run work. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Todos MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on require_approval_gate? +

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

require_approval_gate is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit require_approval_gate? +

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

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

require_approval_gate 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.