install_apk · Android Tester MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What install_apk does on Android Tester MCP

AI agents invoke install_apk to trigger actions in Android Tester MCP. 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 install_apk needs a policy

Installing an APK onto a device is an execution-level operation that deploys software onto the system. It can introduce malicious code, change device behavior, or enable further exploitation. It is not merely a write operation because it triggers OS-level installation processes and executes package installers, making it an Execute-category action with high severity due to the potential for arbitrary code deployment.

From the tool's definition Install an APK file into the Gbox Android box

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

install_apk Rate-limited

install_apk 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": {
    "install_apk": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "install_apk_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 Android Tester MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about install_apk

What does the install_apk tool do? +

Install an APK file into the Gbox Android box. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Android Tester MCP MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on install_apk? +

Register the Android Tester MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for install_apk: 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 Android Tester MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is install_apk? +

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

Can I rate-limit install_apk? +

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

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

install_apk is provided by the Android Tester MCP server (zhenweiwang1990/android-tester-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.