update_imap · Gmail MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_imap does on Gmail MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why update_imap needs a policy

This tool modifies (but does not delete) email account IMAP settings, which is a reversible write operation. While configuration changes could impact email functionality, they are not irreversible deletions and do not execute arbitrary code or move financial resources. The medium severity reflects that misconfigured IMAP settings could disrupt email access or synchronization, but changes can typically be reverted.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'update_imap' and description 'Updates IMAP settings' indicate modification of email account configuration settings.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_imap Rate-limited

update_imap 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": {
    "update_imap": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_imap_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 Gmail MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about update_imap

What does the update_imap tool do? +

Updates IMAP settings. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Gmail 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 update_imap? +

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

What risk level is update_imap? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_imap? +

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

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

update_imap is provided by the Gmail MCP Server MCP server (nk900600/gmail-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.