add_recipe_image · Mealie MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_recipe_image does on Mealie MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_recipe_image needs a policy

This tool modifies recipe metadata (the associated image) reversibly without deleting data or executing arbitrary code. The modification is non-destructive and can be undone by replacing the image again. While it affects recipe records, the blast radius is limited to image attachments rather than recipe content itself, making it Write severity medium rather than high.

From the tool's definition Tool description states "Add or replace the image for an existing recipe", where 'add' and 'replace' indicate modification of existing data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_recipe_image Rate-limited

add_recipe_image 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": {
    "add_recipe_image": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_recipe_image_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 Mealie MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_recipe_image

What does the add_recipe_image tool do? +

Add or replace the image for an existing recipe. Provide either a URL to fetch the image from, or base64-encoded image data. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Mealie 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 add_recipe_image? +

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

What risk level is add_recipe_image? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_recipe_image? +

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

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

add_recipe_image is provided by the Mealie MCP Server MCP server (that0n3guy/mealie-mcp-server-ts). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.