gmail_draft_update · Google Workspace MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What gmail_draft_update does on Google Workspace

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why gmail_draft_update needs a policy

This tool modifies (overwrites) draft email content, which is a reversible change to user data. It does not delete permanently, execute code, move money, or perform irreversible actions. However, the severity is high because an AI agent could maliciously alter drafts intended for important communications, potentially causing reputational or business harm if the modified draft is sent.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'gmail_draft_update' and description 'Overwrite an existing draft's contents' directly indicate modification of existing data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

gmail_draft_update Rate-limited

gmail_draft_update 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": {
    "gmail_draft_update": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "gmail_draft_update_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 Google Workspace, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about gmail_draft_update

What does the gmail_draft_update tool do? +

Overwrite an existing draft's contents. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Google Workspace MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on gmail_draft_update? +

Register the Google Workspace MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for gmail_draft_update: 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 Google Workspace. Nothing to install.

What risk level is gmail_draft_update? +

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

Can I rate-limit gmail_draft_update? +

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

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

gmail_draft_update is provided by the Google Workspace MCP server (rajool/google-workspace-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.