imap_copy_emails · Email MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What imap_copy_emails does on Email MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why imap_copy_emails needs a policy

Copying emails modifies the mailbox state by creating new email records, which is reversible (copies can be deleted). This is a Write operation, not Read (which would only retrieve data) or Destructive (which cannot be undone).

From the tool's definition Tool name 'imap_copy_emails' indicates it copies (duplicates) emails, a reversible write operation. The server description states it 'enables users to read, search, and send emails,' and copying is a standard email modification action.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

imap_copy_emails Rate-limited

imap_copy_emails 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": {
    "imap_copy_emails": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "imap_copy_emails_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 MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about imap_copy_emails

What does the imap_copy_emails tool do? +

imap_copy_emails. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Email 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 imap_copy_emails? +

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

What risk level is imap_copy_emails? +

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

Can I rate-limit imap_copy_emails? +

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

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

imap_copy_emails is provided by the Email MCP Server MCP server (sventern/mcp_email). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.