update_issue · MCP Linear App MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_issue does on MCP Linear App

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why update_issue needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies data reversibly—it updates an existing issue without permanently destroying it. The change can be undone by updating the issue again to previous values. It does not execute arbitrary code, delete data, or move money. Medium severity reflects that misuse could corrupt project data or spam notifications, but effects are contained to Linear issues and reversible.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'updates an issue in Linear', which modifies existing data. The broader server description confirms the tool supports 'updating issues' as part of project management operations.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_issue Rate-limited

update_issue 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_issue": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_issue_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 Linear App, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about update_issue

What does the update_issue tool do? +

A tool that updates an issue in Linear. It is categorised as a Write tool in the MCP Linear App 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_issue? +

Register the MCP Linear App MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update_issue: 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 Linear App. Nothing to install.

What risk level is update_issue? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_issue? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_issue 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_issue completely? +

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

update_issue is provided by the MCP Linear App MCP server (zalab-inc/mcp-linear-app). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.