app_refresh · Goose App Maker MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What app_refresh does on Goose App Maker MCP

AI agents invoke app_refresh to trigger actions in Goose App Maker MCP. 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 app_refresh needs a policy

This tool triggers a browser action (refreshing a Chrome tab), which is an external operation with side effects. While generally benign, it executes an action in an external application (Chrome browser). It doesn't read, write, or destroy data, nor does it involve financial operations.

From the tool's definition Refresh the currently open app in Chrome

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

app_refresh Rate-limited

app_refresh 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": {
    "app_refresh": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "app_refresh_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 Goose App Maker MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about app_refresh

What does the app_refresh tool do? +

Refresh the currently open app in Chrome. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Goose App Maker MCP MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on app_refresh? +

Register the Goose App Maker MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for app_refresh: 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 Goose App Maker MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is app_refresh? +

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

Can I rate-limit app_refresh? +

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

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

app_refresh is provided by the Goose App Maker MCP server (michaelneale/goose-app-maker-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.