update_agent · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_agent does on Todos

AI agents use update_agent 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 update_agent needs a policy

This tool modifies agent records or configurations reversibly. It falls under Write category because it creates or modifies data without permanent deletion. Severity is medium because unauthorized agent updates could disrupt task assignments or workflows, but effects are typically reversible through subsequent updates.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'update_agent' and description states 'Update an agent', indicating modification of agent configuration or state data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_agent Rate-limited

update_agent 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": {
    "update_agent": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_agent_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 update_agent

What does the update_agent tool do? +

Update an agent. 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 update_agent? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit update_agent? +

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

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

update_agent 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.