insert_image · Google MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What insert_image does on Google

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why insert_image needs a policy

Inserting an image modifies a Google Doc by adding content, which is a reversible write operation. It does not delete data (not Destructive), does not execute arbitrary code (not Execute), and does not move money (not Financial).

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Insert an inline image into a Google Doc', which creates new content in a document. Server description confirms 'Google Docs (insert, replace, append)' capabilities.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

insert_image Rate-limited

insert_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": {
    "insert_image": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "insert_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 Google, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about insert_image

What does the insert_image tool do? +

Insert an inline image into a Google Doc from a public URL. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Google MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on insert_image? +

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

What risk level is insert_image? +

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

Can I rate-limit insert_image? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the insert_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 insert_image completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for insert_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 insert_image? +

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