upload_recipe_asset · Mealie MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What upload_recipe_asset does on Mealie MCP Server

AI agents use upload_recipe_asset 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_recipe_asset needs a policy

This tool creates or adds new asset files to recipes, which is a reversible write operation. While it modifies recipe data, it does not execute arbitrary code, delete data irreversibly, or move money. The severity is medium because uncontrolled uploads could consume storage resources or introduce unexpected file types, but the operation itself is non-destructive and reversible (assets can be removed or replaced).

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Upload an asset file to a recipe from base64-encoded data.' The verb 'upload' and action of storing file data to a recipe indicates data creation/modification.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

upload_recipe_asset Rate-limited

upload_recipe_asset 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_recipe_asset": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "upload_recipe_asset_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_recipe_asset

What does the upload_recipe_asset tool do? +

Upload an asset file to a recipe from base64-encoded 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_recipe_asset? +

Register the Mealie MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for upload_recipe_asset: 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_recipe_asset? +

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

Can I rate-limit upload_recipe_asset? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the upload_recipe_asset 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_recipe_asset completely? +

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

upload_recipe_asset 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.