recipe_import_image · Old Family Recipe MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What recipe_import_image does on Old Family Recipe

AI agents use recipe_import_image to create or update resources in Old Family Recipe — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Old Family Recipe environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why recipe_import_image needs a policy

This tool reads an image input and creates a new recipe record in the cookbook app. This is clearly a Write operation (create data reversibly), not Read (it transforms the image into stored data rather than just querying), Execute (no arbitrary code execution or external side effects), Destructive (the action is reversible), or Financial.

From the tool's definition The tool 'recipe_import_image' creates new recipe data by extracting content from a photo of a handwritten card. The description states it will 'Import a recipe' which results in data being added to the system.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

recipe_import_image Rate-limited

recipe_import_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": {
    "recipe_import_image": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "recipe_import_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 Old Family Recipe, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about recipe_import_image

What does the recipe_import_image tool do? +

Import a recipe from a photo of a handwritten recipe card. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Old Family Recipe MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on recipe_import_image? +

Register the Old Family Recipe MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for recipe_import_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 Old Family Recipe. Nothing to install.

What risk level is recipe_import_image? +

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

Can I rate-limit recipe_import_image? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the recipe_import_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 recipe_import_image completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for recipe_import_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 recipe_import_image? +

recipe_import_image is provided by the Old Family Recipe MCP server (oldfamilyrecipe/ai). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.