gads_run_gaql · Google Ads MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What gads_run_gaql does on Google Ads

AI agents invoke gads_run_gaql to trigger actions in Google Ads. 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 gads_run_gaql needs a policy

This tool allows execution of arbitrary GAQL (Google Ads Query Language) queries against a Google Ads account. It is an 'escape hatch' that bypasses the preset tools, enabling unrestricted query execution whose effects depend entirely on the query content. While the description is incomplete (cuts off mid-sentence), the core functionality is unmistakably Execute: it runs arbitrary queries against an external API.

From the tool's definition Escape hatch: run any raw GAQL query against Google Ads. Use when preset tools don[...]

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

gads_run_gaql Rate-limited

gads_run_gaql 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": {
    "gads_run_gaql": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "gads_run_gaql_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 Google Ads, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about gads_run_gaql

What does the gads_run_gaql tool do? +

Escape hatch: run any raw GAQL query against Google Ads. Use when preset tools don. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Google Ads MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on gads_run_gaql? +

Register the Google Ads MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for gads_run_gaql: 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 Google Ads. Nothing to install.

What risk level is gads_run_gaql? +

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

Can I rate-limit gads_run_gaql? +

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

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

gads_run_gaql is provided by the Google Ads MCP server (zleventer/google-ads-mcp-npm). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.