upload_admin_backup · Mealie MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What upload_admin_backup does on Mealie MCP Server

AI agents use upload_admin_backup to create or update resources in Mealie MCP Server — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Mealie MCP Server environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why upload_admin_backup needs a policy

This tool modifies the Mealie system by uploading and restoring backup archives. While backups can theoretically contain destructive operations when restored, the tool itself is performing an upload/write operation that persists data to the system.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'upload_admin_backup' and description 'Upload a Mealie backup archive from base64 data' indicates the tool creates/modifies system state by ingesting backup data into the system.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

upload_admin_backup Rate-limited

upload_admin_backup 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": {
    "upload_admin_backup": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "upload_admin_backup_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 Mealie MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about upload_admin_backup

What does the upload_admin_backup tool do? +

Upload a Mealie backup archive from base64 data. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Mealie MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on upload_admin_backup? +

Register the Mealie MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for upload_admin_backup: 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 Mealie MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is upload_admin_backup? +

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

Can I rate-limit upload_admin_backup? +

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

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

upload_admin_backup is provided by the Mealie MCP Server MCP server (nikopol666/mealie-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.