Returns recent messages from a specific WhatsApp chat. Requires a chatId (e.g. 919876543210@c.us).
AI agents call get_messages to retrieve information from WhatsApp MCP without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves message history from WhatsApp conversations without modifying, deleting, or executing actions. However, severity is medium rather than low because WhatsApp messages often contain sensitive personal information (PII, credentials, private conversations), and unauthorized access could expose significant private data to an AI agent.
From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Returns recent messages from a specific WhatsApp chat' — a retrieval operation with no modification or execution. The verb 'Returns' and the read-only nature confirm Read category.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Returns recent messages from a specific WhatsApp chat. Requires a chatId (e.g. 919876543210@c.us). It is categorised as a Read tool in the WhatsApp MCP MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the WhatsApp MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for get_messages: 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 WhatsApp MCP. Nothing to install.
get_messages is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the get_messages 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for get_messages. 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.
get_messages is provided by the WhatsApp MCP server (ponmanian-sa/whatsapp_mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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