gmail_update_forwarding · Mcp Gmail MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What gmail_update_forwarding does on Mcp Gmail

AI agents use gmail_update_forwarding 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_update_forwarding needs a policy

This tool modifies Gmail account settings (forwarding rules) in a reversible manner. While not creating new data, it alters account configuration. This is a Write action since forwarding settings can be changed back.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'gmail_update_forwarding' indicates it modifies Gmail forwarding settings. Description is empty but the function name clearly implies updating/modifying email forwarding configuration.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

gmail_update_forwarding Rate-limited

gmail_update_forwarding 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_update_forwarding": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "gmail_update_forwarding_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_update_forwarding

What does the gmail_update_forwarding tool do? +

gmail_update_forwarding. 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_update_forwarding? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit gmail_update_forwarding? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the gmail_update_forwarding 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_update_forwarding completely? +

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

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