adb_install_apk · AVD MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What adb_install_apk does on AVD MCP Server

AI agents invoke adb_install_apk to trigger actions in AVD MCP 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 adb_install_apk needs a policy

This tool installs an APK package onto an Android device using 'adb install -r'. Installing applications is an Execute-level action as it runs/deploys code onto the device. The '-r' flag allows reinstallation. Misuse could result in malicious APKs being installed on the device, making severity high.

From the tool's definition Instala APK no device via adb install -r

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

adb_install_apk Rate-limited

adb_install_apk 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": {
    "adb_install_apk": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "adb_install_apk_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 AVD MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about adb_install_apk

What does the adb_install_apk tool do? +

Instala APK no device via adb install -r. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the AVD MCP 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 adb_install_apk? +

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

What risk level is adb_install_apk? +

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

Can I rate-limit adb_install_apk? +

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

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

adb_install_apk is provided by the AVD MCP Server MCP server (jramalho/avd-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.