Remove branch protection rules from a branch. dry_run=true by default.
AI agents call unprotect_branch to permanently remove resources in Mcp Gitlab — typically in cleanup and lifecycle workflows. It does its job in a single call, and there is no undo.
Removing branch protection rules destroys the existing security configuration for a branch. While one could re-add protections, the original rules are gone and the branch is left exposed in the interim. This qualifies as Destructive due to irreversible deletion of protection configuration.
From the tool's definition 'Remove branch protection rules from a branch' — removing protection is irreversible in effect (branch is left unprotected, prior rules are deleted), and cannot be undone without manually re-creating all prior protection settings.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Remove branch protection rules from a branch. dry_run=true by default. It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the Mcp Gitlab MCP Server, which means it can permanently delete or destroy data. Block by default and require explicit approval.
Register the Mcp Gitlab MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for unprotect_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 Mcp Gitlab. Nothing to install.
unprotect_branch is a Destructive tool with critical risk. Critical-risk tools should be blocked by default and only enabled with explicit human approval.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the unprotect_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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for unprotect_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.
unprotect_branch is provided by the Mcp Gitlab MCP server (wanadev/gitlab-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
unprotect_branch is one line of Mcp Gitlab's registry record.
The record carries the whole server: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, every tool classified, recommended policy — re-checked continuously.
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