todo_add · MCP Todo Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What todo_add does on MCP Todo Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why todo_add needs a policy

The tool creates or modifies data (adds a todo item) in a reversible manner. This is characteristic of Write operations. Severity is low because adding a todo item has minimal blast radius—it only creates an entry in a task list with no side effects on external systems, financial impact, or destructive consequences.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Add a new todo item', which creates new data in the todo list without deleting or executing arbitrary operations.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

todo_add Rate-limited

todo_add 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": {
    "todo_add": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "todo_add_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 MCP Todo Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about todo_add

What does the todo_add tool do? +

Add a new todo item. It is categorised as a Write tool in the MCP Todo 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 todo_add? +

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

What risk level is todo_add? +

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

Can I rate-limit todo_add? +

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

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

todo_add is provided by the MCP Todo Server MCP server (xenagarage/mcp-todo-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.