Grant Scoped Capabilities

AGENT-GRANT-SCOPED-CAPABILITIES

Summary

Give agents only the permissions and external authority the task actually needs. Scoped capability keeps progress possible while reducing accidental mutation, publication, or exposure.

Rule

Grant scoped agent capabilities.

Why

Agents with broad authority can accidentally mutate external systems, publish state, delete files, or read secrets unrelated to the task. Scope capabilities to the task so the agent can make progress without receiving authority it does not need.

Helps

  • Reduces blast radius and makes permission boundaries auditable.

Limits

Do not block necessary tools so tightly that the agent cannot verify its work. Grant broader access deliberately when the task requires it and the risk is understood.

Agent Instruction

Grant scoped agent capabilities because agents with broad authority can accidentally mutate external
systems, publish state, delete files, or read secrets unrelated to the task.

Mechanisms

Supported by sandbox settings, scoped credentials, read-only modes, dry runs, explicit approval gates, and tool-specific allowlists.

References