update_template · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_template does on Todos

AI agents use update_template 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_template needs a policy

This tool modifies template data but does not delete it irreversibly or execute arbitrary code. The action is reversible (templates can be updated again or restored), making it a Write operation. Severity is medium because corrupted templates could affect multiple tasks, but the impact is limited to task management and can be corrected.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'update_template' and description 'Update a task template' indicate modification of existing data (task templates) in a reversible manner.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_template Rate-limited

update_template 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_template": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_template_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_template

What does the update_template tool do? +

Update a task template. 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_template? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit update_template? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_template 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_template completely? +

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

update_template 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.