schedule_task · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What schedule_task does on Todos

AI agents use schedule_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 schedule_task needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies task scheduling attributes without irreversible deletion or external financial/code execution effects. It is Write-category because it updates task properties that can be subsequently changed or removed. Severity is medium because misuse could disrupt task workflows (e.g., setting incorrect deadlines), but changes are not destructive and do not affect external systems or finances.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Set due date, delayed start, or recurrence rule on a task' — modifies task metadata (due date, start time, recurrence) reversibly.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

schedule_task Rate-limited

schedule_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": {
    "schedule_task": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "schedule_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 schedule_task

What does the schedule_task tool do? +

Set due date, delayed start, or recurrence rule on a task. 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 schedule_task? +

Register the Todos MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for schedule_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 schedule_task? +

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

Can I rate-limit schedule_task? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the schedule_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 schedule_task completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for schedule_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 schedule_task? +

schedule_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.