imap_mark_as_unread · Email MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What imap_mark_as_unread does on Email MCP Server

AI agents use imap_mark_as_unread 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_mark_as_unread needs a policy

Marking an email as unread modifies email state reversibly without deleting data or executing arbitrary code. This is a Write operation with medium severity: misuse could cause confusion (marking sensitive emails as unread to obscure them, or bulk marking to disrupt workflow), but the action is reversible and does not trigger financial transactions, delete data permanently, or execute code.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Mark an email as unread' — a modification operation that changes email metadata/state. Server description indicates capability to 'read, search, and send emails' with write operations supported.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

imap_mark_as_unread Rate-limited

imap_mark_as_unread 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_mark_as_unread": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "imap_mark_as_unread_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_mark_as_unread

What does the imap_mark_as_unread tool do? +

Mark an email as unread. 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_mark_as_unread? +

Register the Email MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for imap_mark_as_unread: 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_mark_as_unread? +

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

Can I rate-limit imap_mark_as_unread? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the imap_mark_as_unread 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_mark_as_unread completely? +

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

imap_mark_as_unread 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.