update_header_footer · Google MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_header_footer does on Google

AI agents use update_header_footer 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 update_header_footer needs a policy

This tool creates or replaces headers/footers, which are document modifications that can be undone or edited later. It does not delete data irreversibly (not Destructive), does not execute arbitrary code (not Execute), and does not involve financial transactions (not Financial).

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Create or replace the default header or footer in a Google Doc' — this modifies document structure and content reversibly.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_header_footer Rate-limited

update_header_footer 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": {
    "update_header_footer": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_header_footer_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 update_header_footer

What does the update_header_footer tool do? +

Create or replace the default header or footer in a Google Doc. 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 update_header_footer? +

Register the Google MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update_header_footer: 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 update_header_footer? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_header_footer? +

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

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

update_header_footer 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.