set_watch_preferences · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What set_watch_preferences does on Todos

AI agents use set_watch_preferences 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 set_watch_preferences needs a policy

The tool creates or modifies preferences data (watch preferences for terminal display), which is reversible and has no side effects beyond changing UI/display behavior. This falls under Write category. Severity is low because preference changes are localized, non-destructive, and have minimal blast radius if misconfigured by an AI agent.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'set_watch_preferences' and description 'Update local terminal watch preferences' indicate modification of user preferences/settings.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

set_watch_preferences Rate-limited

set_watch_preferences 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": {
    "set_watch_preferences": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_watch_preferences_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 set_watch_preferences

What does the set_watch_preferences tool do? +

Update local terminal watch preferences. 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 set_watch_preferences? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit set_watch_preferences? +

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

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

set_watch_preferences 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.