start_task

Mark a task as in_progress. Uses optimistic locking via version if provided.

SERVERTodos SOURCE@hasna/todos

Medium RISK CLASS

Category Write

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Rate-limitedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/todos/start-task.md

WHAT IT DOES

What start_task does on Todos

AI agents use start_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.

RISK

Why start_task is rated Medium

This tool updates the status of a task to 'in_progress', which is a reversible state change (a write/update operation). It does not delete data, execute code, or involve financial transactions. The optimistic locking mechanism confirms it's modifying a record. Misuse could disrupt task management workflows but is not catastrophic.

From the tool's definition Mark a task as in_progress. Uses optimistic locking via version if provided.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs start_task safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Todos, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For start_task, this is the rule to start with:

start_task Rate-limited

start_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": {
    "start_task": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "start_task_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Todos, apply this rule, and every start_task call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about start_task

What does the start_task tool do? +

Mark a task as in_progress. Uses optimistic locking via version if provided. 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 start_task? +

Register the Todos MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for start_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 start_task? +

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

Can I rate-limit start_task? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the start_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 start_task completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for start_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 start_task? +

start_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.

KEEP EXPLORING

More on Todos, and thousands of servers like it.

This server

All 528 Todos tools →

Across the catalogue

create_task on 0rca Dojo MCP Server →create-task on Kanban MCP Server → The MCP Attack Database →

Guides

Govern customer-ops agents →Argument validation →Scoped token →