gh_issue_create · Gh MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What gh_issue_create does on Gh

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why gh_issue_create needs a policy

This tool creates new data (GitHub issues) in a persistent, remote system. While creations are typically Write-category (reversible via deletion), the severity is high because misuse could spam repositories with numerous fake issues, disrupt issue tracking, or create malicious issues that harm project reputation.

From the tool's definition Tool description states "Create a GitHub issue", which is an irreversible creation action on a remote repository.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

gh_issue_create Rate-limited

gh_issue_create 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": {
    "gh_issue_create": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "gh_issue_create_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 Gh, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about gh_issue_create

What does the gh_issue_create tool do? +

Create a GitHub issue. Body is passed via a temp file (no shell quoting). It is categorised as a Write tool in the Gh MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on gh_issue_create? +

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

What risk level is gh_issue_create? +

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

Can I rate-limit gh_issue_create? +

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

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

gh_issue_create is provided by the Gh MCP server (yukkie/gh-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.