browser_reload · MCP Playwright Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What browser_reload does on MCP Playwright Server

AI agents invoke browser_reload to trigger actions in MCP Playwright Server. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why browser_reload needs a policy

Reloading a page is an external browser operation that re-triggers all page lifecycle events, JavaScript execution, and network requests. It is not a simple read and has side effects depending on the page state (e.g., re-submitting forms, re-running scripts), placing it in the Execute category.

From the tool's definition 'Reload the current page' — triggers a browser navigation action that re-executes page load, scripts, and network requests

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

browser_reload Rate-limited

browser_reload stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "browser_reload": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "browser_reload_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-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 Playwright Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about browser_reload

What does the browser_reload tool do? +

Reload the current page. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the MCP Playwright Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on browser_reload? +

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

What risk level is browser_reload? +

browser_reload is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit browser_reload? +

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

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

browser_reload is provided by the MCP Playwright Server MCP server (j0hanz/playwright-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.