drive_upload_file · Google MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What drive_upload_file does on Google

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why drive_upload_file needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies data (uploads files) in a reversible manner—files can be deleted or replaced. It has a medium severity because unauthorized file uploads could lead to storage quota exhaustion, data clutter, or hosting of inappropriate content, but the action itself is not destructive (files remain recoverable) and does not involve financial transactions or code execution.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'drive_upload_file' and description 'Upload a file to Google Drive' indicate creation of new data in cloud storage.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

drive_upload_file Rate-limited

drive_upload_file 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": {
    "drive_upload_file": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "drive_upload_file_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

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

FAQ

Questions about drive_upload_file

What does the drive_upload_file tool do? +

Upload a file to Google Drive. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Google MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on drive_upload_file? +

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

What risk level is drive_upload_file? +

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

Can I rate-limit drive_upload_file? +

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

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

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