run_doctor · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What run_doctor does on Todos

AI agents invoke run_doctor 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 run_doctor needs a policy

This tool executes diagnostic and repair operations on a local system. While described as 'safe repairs' with 'dry-run review', the tool can still perform modifications to system state based on diagnostic results.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Run local doctor diagnostics and optionally apply safe repairs' — the 'apply' keyword indicates execution of repair operations whose effects depend on diagnostic findings and user arguments. 'Run' is a direct execution verb.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

run_doctor Rate-limited

run_doctor 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": {
    "run_doctor": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "run_doctor_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 run_doctor

What does the run_doctor tool do? +

Run local doctor diagnostics and optionally apply safe repairs after dry-run review. 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 run_doctor? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit run_doctor? +

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

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

run_doctor 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.