file_download

Download a file from a URL to the server.

SERVERAapanel SOURCEnipunanirmal/aapanel-mcp

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/aapanel-mcp/file-download.md

WHAT IT DOES

What file_download does on Aapanel

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

RISK

Why file_download is rated Medium

This tool fetches a remote file and writes it to the server's filesystem. While it doesn't delete existing data, it creates new files on the server, which could introduce malicious content, overwrite files depending on destination path, or be used to deploy malware. The most severe applicable category is Write, but the blast radius is high because arbitrary remote files can be placed on the server.

From the tool's definition Download a file from a URL to the server

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs file_download safely

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

file_download Rate-limited

file_download 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": {
    "file_download": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "file_download_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 Aapanel, apply this rule, and every file_download call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about file_download

What does the file_download tool do? +

Download a file from a URL to the server. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Aapanel MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on file_download? +

Register the Aapanel MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for file_download: 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 Aapanel. Nothing to install.

What risk level is file_download? +

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

Can I rate-limit file_download? +

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

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

file_download is provided by the Aapanel MCP server (nipunanirmal/aapanel-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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