send_gmail · Gmail MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What send_gmail does on Gmail MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why send_gmail needs a policy

The send_gmail tool creates and sends new email messages, which modifies data (adds messages to recipient inboxes) but is reversible through deletion/recall mechanisms in Gmail. This qualifies as Write rather than Execute because it performs a specific, well-defined action (sending) rather than arbitrary code execution.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'send_gmail' combined with server description stating the server 'allows Claude to search, read, send, and manage emails using the Gmail API.' The tool is explicitly listed as a capability for sending emails.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

send_gmail Rate-limited

send_gmail 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": {
    "send_gmail": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "send_gmail_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 Gmail MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about send_gmail

What does the send_gmail tool do? +

send_gmail. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Gmail 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 send_gmail? +

Register the Gmail MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for send_gmail: 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 Gmail MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is send_gmail? +

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

Can I rate-limit send_gmail? +

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

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

send_gmail is provided by the Gmail MCP Server MCP server (stevesimpson418/gmail-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.