install_app · React Native Dev MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What install_app does on React Native Dev

AI agents invoke install_app to trigger actions in React Native Dev. 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 install_app needs a policy

Installing an application on a device is an external operation that modifies the device state by deploying software. It is not a simple data write (reversible record creation) but rather triggers an OS-level installation process with side effects. It could also be used to install malicious apps, giving it medium severity.

From the tool's definition Install a built app artifact on a booted device: a .app bundle (iOS simulator) or .apk (Android)

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

install_app Rate-limited

install_app 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": {
    "install_app": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "install_app_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 React Native Dev, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about install_app

What does the install_app tool do? +

Install a built app artifact on a booted device: a .app bundle (iOS simulator) or .apk (Android). Returns the app id for launch_app. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the React Native Dev MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on install_app? +

Register the React Native Dev MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for install_app: 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 React Native Dev. Nothing to install.

What risk level is install_app? +

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

Can I rate-limit install_app? +

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

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

install_app is provided by the React Native Dev MCP server (luizhbesper/react-native-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.