launch_app · React Native Dev MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What launch_app does on React Native Dev

AI agents invoke launch_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 launch_app needs a policy

This tool executes an action on a device with side effects that depend on the specified arguments. Launching an application is a triggered operation rather than a simple read, and while not inherently destructive, it can affect system state and potentially execute arbitrary code depending on what the app does.

From the tool's definition Launch an installed app on a booted device by bundle id / package name—triggers external operation (app launch) whose effects depend on arguments (which app is launched).

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

launch_app Rate-limited

launch_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": {
    "launch_app": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "launch_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 launch_app

What does the launch_app tool do? +

Launch an installed app on a booted device by bundle id / package name. 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 launch_app? +

Register the React Native Dev MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for launch_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 launch_app? +

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

Can I rate-limit launch_app? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the launch_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 launch_app completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for launch_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 launch_app? +

launch_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.