update_project · Things MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_project does on Things MCP Server

AI agents use update_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 update_project needs a policy

This tool modifies existing project metadata in Things.app (a task management application) in reversible ways. Updates to task attributes like title, notes, tags, and scheduling can be undone or modified again, placing it squarely in the Write category. It does not execute arbitrary code, delete data irreversibly, move money, or retrieve data without side effects.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Update an existing project in Things.app. Modify title, notes, scheduling, tags, area assignment, and completion status.' The verb 'Update' and the list of modifiable fields (title, notes, scheduling, tags, area, completion status)…

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_project Rate-limited

update_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": {
    "update_project": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_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 update_project

What does the update_project tool do? +

Update an existing project in Things.app. Modify title, notes, scheduling, tags, area assignment, and completion status. 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 update_project? +

Register the Things MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update_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 update_project? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_project? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_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 update_project completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for update_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 update_project? +

update_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.