install_app · Android MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What install_app does on Android MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why install_app needs a policy

Installing an app creates new persistent application code on the device, modifying its state irreversibly in practical terms. While technically reversible via uninstall, this is a Write operation rather than Destructive because the action itself is non-destructive and the primary intent is to add functionality.

From the tool's definition Tool description: 'Install an app from a URL or local path.' The action modifies device state by adding new software to the Android device.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

install_app Rate-limited

install_app 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": {
    "install_app": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "install_app_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

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PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Android MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about install_app

What does the install_app tool do? +

Install an app from a URL or local path. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Android MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on install_app? +

Register the Android MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for install_app: 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 Android MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is install_app? +

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

Can I rate-limit install_app? +

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

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

install_app is provided by the Android MCP Server MCP server (itest4u/android-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.