GET FILE METADATA & UPDATE CACHE - Retrieves current metadata for specific file from Gemini API and updates cache. USAGE: Pass fileUri from upload response or list_files. RETURNS: Complete file info including uri, displayName, mimeType, sizeBytes, create/update/expiration times, sha256Hash, state...
AI agents call get_file to retrieve information from Gemini MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This is a metadata retrieval operation with no data mutation capability. It queries file information from the Gemini API and updates local cache, both of which are non-destructive, read-only activities. The tool cannot modify, delete, or execute operations on files or external systems. Misuse would at worst reveal metadata about uploaded files, posing minimal security risk.
From the tool's definition Tool retrieves and returns file metadata (uri, displayName, mimeType, sizeBytes, timestamps, sha256Hash, state) without modifying data. Description explicitly states 'Retrieves current metadata' and 'RETURNS: Complete file info'.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
GET FILE METADATA & UPDATE CACHE - Retrieves current metadata for specific file from Gemini API and updates cache. USAGE: Pass fileUri from upload response or list_files. RETURNS: Complete file info including uri, displayName, mimeType, sizeBytes, create/update/expiration times, sha256Hash, state. Automatically adds to cache if missing. USE CASE: Verify file state, check expiration, refresh cache entry. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Gemini MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Gemini MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for get_file: 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 Gemini MCP Server. Nothing to install.
get_file is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the get_file 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for get_file. 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.
get_file is provided by the Gemini MCP Server MCP server (mintmcqueen/gemini-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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