adb_tap_text · ADB MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What adb_tap_text does on ADB MCP Server

AI agents invoke adb_tap_text to trigger actions in ADB 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_tap_text needs a policy

This tool performs a UI interaction (tap) on an Android device, which constitutes executing an external operation. The effect depends on which element is tapped — it could open apps, confirm dialogs, submit forms, etc. This goes beyond a simple read or write, as it triggers device-side actions whose consequences vary widely based on the target element.

From the tool's definition 'Find UI element by text/ID/content-desc and tap its center' — triggers a tap/click action on the Android device UI

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

adb_tap_text Rate-limited

adb_tap_text 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_tap_text": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "adb_tap_text_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 ADB MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about adb_tap_text

What does the adb_tap_text tool do? +

Find UI element by text/ID/content-desc and tap its center. Regex partial match. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the ADB 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_tap_text? +

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

What risk level is adb_tap_text? +

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

Can I rate-limit adb_tap_text? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the adb_tap_text 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_tap_text completely? +

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

adb_tap_text is provided by the ADB MCP Server MCP server (lll-404/adb-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.