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Code execution · MCP server

Imap MCP server: MCP server, setup and security

Imap MCP server is an open-source MCP server published on GitHub that lets an AI agent search read organize send reply to and forward email through IMAP/SMTP. Its repository has 112 stars and its last commit is from October 22, 2026 and it is licensed under MIT.

Score
65/100
Adoption (stars) 20/40
Maintenance 30/30
Framework (licence, registry, official) 15/30
Actively maintainedSystem access

What Imap MCP server does

According to its repository: “IMAP/SMTP MCP server to search, read, organize, send, reply & forward email for AI assistants”

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a standard plug between an AI agent and an outside service: once the server is connected, its tools show up in the agent, which decides when to call them. Imap MCP server is listed under Code execution, a category of 32 servers in the directory, where it ranks #13 by stars.

Topics declared by the repository: claude, email, imap, smtp, typescript.

Installing and connecting Imap MCP server

Distribution modes declared in the official MCP registry:

  • npm package (Node.js, usually started with npx)

It works with any MCP-compatible client (Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code, Codex and most recent agents). You add one entry to the client's MCP configuration: server name, start command or URL, environment variables. Project language: TypeScript.

Security: what to check

Connecting an MCP server means installing software that talks straight to your agent: it runs with your rights and the model trusts its tool descriptions. The risk therefore depends on what it can touch and how far its code can be trusted.

Points found for Imap MCP server:

  • System access: the Code execution category gives the agent control over files, a terminal, code or a browser. A booby-trapped instruction in content the agent reads (prompt injection) can then turn into an action.

Good practice: grant only the rights needed (least privilege), require human approval for irreversible actions, and run the AI agent security check.

Project activity and maintenance

Created on July 17, 2025, the nikolausm/imap-mcp-server repository has 112 stars and 58 forks, with 3 open issues. It has more stars than 69% of the servers in the directory. It received changes this month. Version published in the registry: 2.2.0 (October 9, 2026).

Stars measure attention, not quality: a recent, heavily promoted project can collect them fast, while a useful but niche server will have few.

Container useContainer use : 4.1K4.1KMATLAB MCP ServerMATLAB MCP Server : 1.7K1.7KLLM SandboxLLM Sandbox : 1.1K1.1KTidewave PhoenixTidewave Phoenix : 858858Tidewave RailsTidewave Rails : 476476SuperserveSuperserve : 466466IPhone UseIPhone Use : 345345OrcaReplayOrcaReplay : 281281Imap MCP serverImap MCP server : 112112
GitHub stars of the most followed servers in the category (log scale); Imap MCP server in orange. Checked October 25, 2026.

Verdict

Imap MCP server is a reasonable choice; check the points below before connecting it.

Strengths

  • Active project: recent commit
  • Listed in the official MCP registry
  • Permissive licence (MIT)

Avoid if…

  • You cannot isolate the agent (sandbox, container)

Frequently asked questions

How do I install Imap MCP server?

Imap MCP server is distributed as npm package (Node.js, usually started with npx). Add it to your client's MCP configuration (Claude Desktop, Cursor, VS Code…) following the README of nikolausm/imap-mcp-server.

Is Imap MCP server free?

The code is published under the MIT licence and can be used free of charge.

Is Imap MCP server safe?

Points to watch: system access. Give it minimum rights and approve sensitive actions.

Is it an official server?

Nothing says so: it is a project published by nikolausm on GitHub. Check who maintains it before giving it access.

What are the alternatives to Imap MCP server?

In the same category: Container use, LLM Sandbox, Tidewave Phoenix, and Superserve. Container use and LLM Sandbox score higher on our grid.

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Neutrality. No affiliate links. No vendor pays to be reviewed, rated or ranked. Reviews are directed by François Chollet, neutral and factual, and every data point is dated and sourced. How we score