gh_issue_edit · Gh MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What gh_issue_edit does on Gh

AI agents use gh_issue_edit 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_edit needs a policy

This tool modifies existing data (an issue's body) in a reversible manner. The change can be undone by editing the issue again or reverting to a previous state. It does not delete data (not Destructive), does not execute arbitrary code (not Execute), and does not involve financial transactions (not Financial).

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Replace an issue's body', which is a modification operation. The MCP server is explicitly designed for 'creation and editing of issues and pull requests'.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

gh_issue_edit Rate-limited

gh_issue_edit 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_edit": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "gh_issue_edit_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_edit

What does the gh_issue_edit tool do? +

Replace an issue's body. Body is passed via a temp file. 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_edit? +

Register the Gh MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for gh_issue_edit: 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_edit? +

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

Can I rate-limit gh_issue_edit? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the gh_issue_edit 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_edit completely? +

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

gh_issue_edit 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.