adb_push · Adb MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What adb_push does on Adb

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why adb_push needs a policy

adb_push transfers files from the host to the Android device, which is a reversible modification operation (files can be deleted). While directory restrictions exist (allowlisted paths), the tool still enables creation or overwriting of files on the target device. This is a Write operation rather than Execute because the tool itself does not run code—it only transfers files.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'adb_push' and description 'Push a file from the host to the device' explicitly indicate file upload/creation capability.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

adb_push Rate-limited

adb_push 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": {
    "adb_push": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "adb_push_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 Adb, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about adb_push

What does the adb_push tool do? +

Push a file from the host to the device. Source must be under an allowlisted directory (see MCP_ALLOWED_PUSH_DIRS, default /tmp/). It is categorised as a Write tool in the Adb MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on adb_push? +

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

What risk level is adb_push? +

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

Can I rate-limit adb_push? +

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

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

adb_push is provided by the Adb MCP server (sfaizi24/adb-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.