clear_and_type_text · Espresso MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What clear_and_type_text does on Espresso

AI agents invoke clear_and_type_text to trigger actions in Espresso. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why clear_and_type_text needs a policy

This tool performs actions on an external Android device — clearing existing text and inputting new text. It triggers real device interactions (UI automation/Espresso test framework actions) whose effects depend on the target element and text arguments.

From the tool's definition Clear all text and type new text on the connected Android device

Risk signalsBulk/mass operation — affects multiple targets

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

clear_and_type_text Rate-limited

clear_and_type_text stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "clear_and_type_text": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "clear_and_type_text_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

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

FAQ

Questions about clear_and_type_text

What does the clear_and_type_text tool do? +

Clear all text and type new text on the connected Android device. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Espresso MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on clear_and_type_text? +

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

What risk level is clear_and_type_text? +

clear_and_type_text is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit clear_and_type_text? +

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

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

clear_and_type_text is provided by the Espresso MCP server (vs4vijay/espresso-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.