gmail_message_mark_read · Mcp Gmail MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What gmail_message_mark_read does on Mcp Gmail

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why gmail_message_mark_read needs a policy

Marking a message as read modifies message metadata in a reversible way (can be unmarked). This is a state change operation on existing data, fitting the Write category rather than Read (which would only retrieve data). The severity is medium because misuse could hide important messages from the user or manipulate communication history, but the action is reversible and doesn't delete data or cause financial harm.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'gmail_message_mark_read' and description states 'Mark a message as read (remove the...' indicating it modifies message state/metadata by changing the read status flag.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

gmail_message_mark_read Rate-limited

gmail_message_mark_read 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": {
    "gmail_message_mark_read": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "gmail_message_mark_read_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

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 Gmail, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about gmail_message_mark_read

What does the gmail_message_mark_read tool do? +

Mark a message as read (remove the. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Mcp Gmail MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on gmail_message_mark_read? +

Register the Mcp Gmail MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for gmail_message_mark_read: 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 Gmail. Nothing to install.

What risk level is gmail_message_mark_read? +

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

Can I rate-limit gmail_message_mark_read? +

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

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

gmail_message_mark_read is provided by the Mcp Gmail MCP server (knowledgeislands/mcp-gmail). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.