upsert_task_finding · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What upsert_task_finding does on Todos

AI agents use upsert_task_finding 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 upsert_task_finding needs a policy

The tool creates or modifies task findings, which is a Write category action. The 'idempotent' and 'local' qualifiers suggest the operation is reversible and scoped, reducing severity below high. Medium severity accounts for potential misuse creating or modifying many findings that could clutter or mislead task tracking, but without irreversible deletion or external side effects.

From the tool's definition Tool name contains 'upsert' which is a Write operation (create or update). Description states 'idempotent local finding upsert scoped by task and fingerprint' — upsert is explicitly a create-or-update operation that modifies data reversibly.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

upsert_task_finding Rate-limited

upsert_task_finding 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": {
    "upsert_task_finding": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "upsert_task_finding_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 upsert_task_finding

What does the upsert_task_finding tool do? +

Preview or apply an idempotent local finding upsert scoped by task and fingerprint. 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 upsert_task_finding? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit upsert_task_finding? +

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

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

upsert_task_finding 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.