gmail_message_mark_unread · Mcp Gmail MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What gmail_message_mark_unread does on Mcp Gmail

AI agents use gmail_message_mark_unread 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_unread needs a policy

Marking a message as unread is a reversible modification of message metadata/flags. It changes the read status of existing data without creating new content (not Write in the create sense) or deleting anything. This is less severe than Destructive actions but more impactful than pure Read operations.

From the tool's definition Tool description explicitly states "Mark a message as unread" — this modifies message state/metadata. The partial description cuts off but the name and available context indicate a state modification operation.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

gmail_message_mark_unread Rate-limited

gmail_message_mark_unread 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_unread": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "gmail_message_mark_unread_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_unread

What does the gmail_message_mark_unread tool do? +

Mark a message as unread (add 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_unread? +

Register the Mcp Gmail MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for gmail_message_mark_unread: 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_unread? +

gmail_message_mark_unread 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_unread? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the gmail_message_mark_unread 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_unread completely? +

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

gmail_message_mark_unread 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.