metube_start_downloads · Metube MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What metube_start_downloads does on Metube

AI agents invoke metube_start_downloads to trigger actions in Metube. 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 metube_start_downloads needs a policy

This tool executes downloads of potentially large files from the internet. While not destructive or financial in itself, it is Execute category because it triggers external operations (yt-dlp download processes) whose effects are irreversible once initiated and depend on the arguments/state.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'metube_start_downloads' and description 'Start pending downloads that were added with auto_start=false' indicates the tool triggers external operations (download execution) whose effects depend on which downloads are pending.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

metube_start_downloads Rate-limited

metube_start_downloads 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": {
    "metube_start_downloads": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "metube_start_downloads_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 Metube, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about metube_start_downloads

What does the metube_start_downloads tool do? +

Start pending downloads that were added with auto_start=false. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Metube MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on metube_start_downloads? +

Register the Metube MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for metube_start_downloads: 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 Metube. Nothing to install.

What risk level is metube_start_downloads? +

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

Can I rate-limit metube_start_downloads? +

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

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

metube_start_downloads is provided by the Metube MCP server (junglem0nkey/metube-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.