sync_todos_md · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What sync_todos_md does on Todos

AI agents use sync_todos_md 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_todos_md needs a policy

The tool both reads and writes data — it imports from a markdown file and re-exports to keep the markdown and database in sync. This is a bidirectional synchronization operation that modifies both the database and the markdown file, making it a Write operation. It is reversible in nature (data is not permanently deleted, just synchronized).

From the tool's definition Import then re-export todos.md to keep markdown and database aligned

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

sync_todos_md Rate-limited

sync_todos_md 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_todos_md": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "sync_todos_md_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_todos_md

What does the sync_todos_md tool do? +

Import then re-export todos.md to keep markdown and database aligned. 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_todos_md? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit sync_todos_md? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the sync_todos_md 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_todos_md completely? +

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

sync_todos_md 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.