press_recent_apps · Enhanced ADB MCP Server MCP

WHAT IT DOES

What press_recent_apps does on Enhanced ADB MCP Server

AI agents invoke press_recent_apps to trigger actions in Enhanced ADB MCP Server. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why press_recent_apps needs a policy

This tool executes an Android device action (pressing the recent apps button) through ADB. It doesn't read data, write/modify persistent data, or delete anything — it triggers an external UI operation on the device. Severity is low as it merely opens the app switcher with minimal blast radius.

From the tool's definition 'Open recent apps / app switcher' — triggers a device UI action (opening the recents screen) on an Android device via ADB

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

press_recent_apps Rate-limited

press_recent_apps stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "press_recent_apps": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "press_recent_apps_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Enhanced ADB MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about press_recent_apps

What does the press_recent_apps tool do? +

Open recent apps / app switcher. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Enhanced ADB MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on press_recent_apps? +

Register the Enhanced ADB MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for press_recent_apps: 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 Enhanced ADB MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is press_recent_apps? +

press_recent_apps is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit press_recent_apps? +

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

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

press_recent_apps is provided by the Enhanced ADB MCP Server MCP server (rahulkr/r_adb_mcp_server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.