upload_recipe_image · Mealie MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What upload_recipe_image does on Mealie MCP Server

AI agents use upload_recipe_image 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_image needs a policy

This is a Write operation because it modifies recipe data by uploading or replacing an image resource. The severity is medium because misuse could result in unwanted recipe image modifications or potential abuse of storage/bandwidth, but the action is reversible (images can be re-uploaded or deleted).

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Upload or replace a recipe image' — this creates or modifies data (image attachment to a recipe) in a reversible manner.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

upload_recipe_image Rate-limited

upload_recipe_image 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_image": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "upload_recipe_image_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_image

What does the upload_recipe_image tool do? +

Upload or replace a recipe image from base64-encoded image 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_image? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit upload_recipe_image? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the upload_recipe_image 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_image completely? +

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

upload_recipe_image 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.