connect_all · Mcp Mail Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What connect_all does on Mcp Mail Server

AI agents invoke connect_all to trigger actions in Mcp Mail 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 connect_all needs a policy

This tool establishes network connections to external mail servers (IMAP and SMTP), which is an external operation with side effects beyond simple data retrieval. It triggers connections to remote systems, making it Execute rather than Read. Misuse could establish unauthorized connections or enable subsequent email operations.

From the tool's definition Connect to both IMAP and SMTP servers simultaneously

Risk signalsBulk/mass operation — affects multiple targets

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

connect_all Rate-limited

connect_all 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": {
    "connect_all": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "connect_all_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 Mcp Mail Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about connect_all

What does the connect_all tool do? +

Connect to both IMAP and SMTP servers simultaneously. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Mcp Mail 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 connect_all? +

Register the Mcp Mail Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for connect_all: 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 Mail Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is connect_all? +

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

Can I rate-limit connect_all? +

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

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

connect_all is provided by the Mcp Mail Server MCP server (mcp-mail-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.