[MCP Clients] execute_task requires long timeout (≥600s) - documentation should prominently warn users
Author: Jwd-gityCreated Jun 21, 2026Updated Jun 21, 2026
Problem
OpenSpace MCP tool openspace::execute_task can run for several minutes, yet many MCP clients (including Hermes Agent) enforce a default 120-second timeout on MCP tool calls. This causes legitimate long-running tasks to be incorrectly terminated and reported as failures.
Specific Example - Hermes Agent:
- Default MCP tool call timeout: 120 seconds
execute_taskmay need 5-10+ minutes for complex tasks- Result: Hermes reports timeout while OpenSpace continues processing → orphaned tasks
Reproduction (Hermes)
- Configure OpenSpace MCP in Hermes
- Execute a complex task via
openspace::execute_task - Hermes times out after 120s, OpenSpace keeps running
Recommended Fix
Add a prominent warning in OpenSpace docs:
⚠️
execute_taskmay run for 5-10 minutes or longer. MCP clients must set a timeout of at least 600 seconds (10 minutes).
Hermes Configuration Example
mcp_servers:
harshal-mcp-proxy:
url: http://localhost:8765/mcp
# Call execute_task with explicit timeout:
# timeoutMs: 600000Impact
Affects all MCP clients with conservative timeout settings. Leads to silent failures and poor UX.
This issue was automatically reported via Hermes Agent MCP integration.
Source: HKUDS/OpenSpace