android_start_session · DevLab MCP Suite MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What android_start_session does on DevLab MCP Suite

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why android_start_session needs a policy

The primary action is creating a new directory (a reversible write operation). The optional logcat clearing is a minor side effect with low blast radius. No code execution, data deletion, or financial impact is involved.

From the tool's definition Create a timestamped session directory for evidence capture. Optionally clears logcat and records device info.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

android_start_session Rate-limited

android_start_session 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": {
    "android_start_session": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "android_start_session_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 DevLab MCP Suite, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about android_start_session

What does the android_start_session tool do? +

Create a timestamped session directory for evidence capture. Optionally clears logcat and records device info. It is categorised as a Write tool in the DevLab MCP Suite MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on android_start_session? +

Register the DevLab MCP Suite MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for android_start_session: 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 DevLab MCP Suite. Nothing to install.

What risk level is android_start_session? +

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

Can I rate-limit android_start_session? +

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

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

android_start_session is provided by the DevLab MCP Suite MCP server (tanguito86/devlab-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.