create_branch · GitHub MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_branch does on GitHub MCP Server

AI agents use create_branch to create or update resources in GitHub MCP Server — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your GitHub MCP Server environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_branch needs a policy

Creating a branch modifies repository state by adding a new ref, but does not execute code, delete data, or move money. It is reversible (branches can be deleted) and does not have destructive side effects.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Create a new branch in a GitHub repository' — this creates a new Git branch, which is a reversible modification to repository metadata.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_branch Rate-limited

create_branch 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": {
    "create_branch": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_branch_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 GitHub MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_branch

What does the create_branch tool do? +

Create a new branch in a GitHub repository. It is categorised as a Write tool in the GitHub MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on create_branch? +

Register the GitHub MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_branch: 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 GitHub MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is create_branch? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_branch? +

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

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

create_branch is provided by the GitHub MCP Server MCP server (tuanle96/mcp-github). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.