move_file

Move or rename files and directories. Can move files between directories

SERVERMCP Filesystem Server SOURCEa-niranjan/mcp-filesystem

Medium RISK CLASS

Category Write

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Rate-limitedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/a-niranjan-mcp-filesystem/move-file.md

WHAT IT DOES

What move_file does on MCP Filesystem Server

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

RISK

Why move_file is rated Medium

The move_file tool modifies the filesystem by relocating or renaming files/directories. This is a Write operation because the changes are reversible (files can be moved back or renamed again). While the server context mentions 'strict path validation' suggesting security controls, the tool itself performs state-changing operations.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Move or rename files and directories. Can move files between directories' — these are reversible modifications that change file locations and names without deleting data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs move_file safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and MCP Filesystem Server, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For move_file, this is the rule to start with:

move_file Rate-limited

move_file 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": {
    "move_file": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "move_file_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect MCP Filesystem Server, apply this rule, and every move_file call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about move_file

What does the move_file tool do? +

Move or rename files and directories. Can move files between directories. It is categorised as a Write tool in the MCP Filesystem Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on move_file? +

Register the MCP Filesystem Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for move_file: 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 MCP Filesystem Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is move_file? +

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

Can I rate-limit move_file? +

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

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

move_file is provided by the MCP Filesystem Server MCP server (a-niranjan/mcp-filesystem). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

KEEP EXPLORING

More on MCP Filesystem Server, and thousands of servers like it.

This server

All 17 MCP Filesystem Server tools →

Across the catalogue

write_file on 0sec →move-task on Kanban MCP Server → The MCP Attack Database →

Guides

Govern customer-ops agents →Argument validation →Scoped token →