emails_modify · Email SMTP/IMAP MCP Server MCP

WHAT IT DOES

What emails_modify does on Email SMTP/IMAP MCP Server

AI agents use emails_modify to create or update resources in Email SMTP/IMAP MCP Server — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Email SMTP/IMAP MCP Server environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why emails_modify needs a policy

The tool modifies email state (read/unread flags, folder location) but does not delete data or execute external operations. These changes are reversible—emails can be unmarked, moved back to original folders, or unarchived. This qualifies as Write category.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it can 'Change email states like read/unread, flagged, or move between folders' and 'organize your inbox, mark emails as read, archive messages, or flag important emails.' These are reversible modifications to email metadata and…

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

emails_modify Rate-limited

emails_modify 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": {
    "emails_modify": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "emails_modify_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 Email SMTP/IMAP MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about emails_modify

What does the emails_modify tool do? +

Change email states like read/unread, flagged, or move between folders. Use this to organize your inbox, mark emails as read, archive messages, or flag important emails. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Email SMTP/IMAP MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on emails_modify? +

Register the Email SMTP/IMAP MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for emails_modify: 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 Email SMTP/IMAP MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is emails_modify? +

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

Can I rate-limit emails_modify? +

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

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

emails_modify is provided by the Email SMTP/IMAP MCP Server MCP server (samihalawa/email-smtp-imap-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.