sync_kg · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What sync_kg does on Todos

AI agents use sync_kg 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 sync_kg needs a policy

The tool writes/upserts relationship data into a knowledge graph edges table. It is idempotent (safe to retry), meaning it doesn't destructively overwrite in a harmful way, but it does modify/create records in a database table. This classifies as Write. Severity is medium because syncing the entire knowledge graph could corrupt or overwrite edge data if misused, but the idempotent nature limits blast radius.

From the tool's definition 'Sync all existing relationships into the knowledge graph edges table. Idempotent.'

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

sync_kg Rate-limited

sync_kg 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": {
    "sync_kg": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "sync_kg_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 sync_kg

What does the sync_kg tool do? +

Sync all existing relationships into the knowledge graph edges table. Idempotent. 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 sync_kg? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit sync_kg? +

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

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

sync_kg 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.