change_keywords · Imap MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What change_keywords does on Imap

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why change_keywords needs a policy

The tool name and server description both reference keyword management, implying this tool modifies keyword metadata on email messages. This is a reversible write operation (keywords can be changed back). Empty description lowers confidence, but the name strongly suggests a Write action.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'change_keywords' on a server that supports 'keyword management' per server description.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

change_keywords Rate-limited

change_keywords 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": {
    "change_keywords": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "change_keywords_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

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Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Imap, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about change_keywords

What does the change_keywords tool do? +

change_keywords. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Imap MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on change_keywords? +

Register the Imap MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for change_keywords: 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 Imap. Nothing to install.

What risk level is change_keywords? +

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

Can I rate-limit change_keywords? +

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

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

change_keywords is provided by the Imap MCP server (vivier/imap-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.