add_project · Things MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_project does on Things MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_project needs a policy

This tool creates new data structures (projects with associated metadata and tasks) in Things.app. Creation is reversible through deletion, distinguishing it from Destructive. It does not execute arbitrary code or trigger external operations (Execute), move money (Financial), or retrieve data (Read).

From the tool's definition Tool description explicitly states 'Create a new project in Things.app' and mentions adding notes, tags, areas, and to-dos—all reversible data creation operations.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_project Rate-limited

add_project 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": {
    "add_project": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_project_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 Things MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_project

What does the add_project tool do? +

Create a new project in Things.app. Add notes, tags, assign to areas, and pre-populate with initial to-dos. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Things 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 add_project? +

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

What risk level is add_project? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_project? +

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

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

add_project is provided by the Things MCP Server MCP server (wbopan/things-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.