update_tag · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_tag does on Todos

AI agents use update_tag 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_tag needs a policy

Updating a tag is a reversible modification of metadata within the task management system. It does not delete data (not Destructive), execute arbitrary code (not Execute), create financial obligations (not Financial), or merely read data (not Read). The Write category is most appropriate.

From the tool's definition Tool is named 'update_tag' with description 'Update a tag', indicating it modifies existing tag data. The sibling tools show a pattern of write operations (add_artifact, add_comment, add_task_dependency, etc.), confirming this is a data modification tool…

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_tag Rate-limited

update_tag 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_tag": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_tag_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_tag

What does the update_tag tool do? +

Update a tag. 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_tag? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit update_tag? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_tag 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_tag completely? +

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

update_tag 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.