insert_items · Dynalist MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What insert_items does on Dynalist

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why insert_items needs a policy

The tool creates or adds items to Dynalist documents, which is a Write operation—reversible modifications that do not execute code or delete data. Confidence is moderate (0.75) rather than high because the tool description contains a placeholder ('${INSTRUCTIONS_FIRST_GUIDANCE}') that does not provide specific details about constraints or scope, limiting full clarity on potential impacts.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'insert_items' indicates creation of new content. Server description states the MCP enables 'write...Dynalist documents programmatically.' The sibling tools include 'create_document', 'create_folder', 'edit_items', and 'delete_items', positioning…

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

insert_items Rate-limited

insert_items 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": {
    "insert_items": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "insert_items_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 Dynalist, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about insert_items

What does the insert_items tool do? +

${INSTRUCTIONS_FIRST_GUIDANCE}. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Dynalist MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on insert_items? +

Register the Dynalist MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for insert_items: 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 Dynalist. Nothing to install.

What risk level is insert_items? +

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

Can I rate-limit insert_items? +

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

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

insert_items is provided by the Dynalist MCP server (wawworld/dynalist-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.