delete_file

Delete a file or directory

SERVERCode MCP Server SOURCEagentics-ai/code-mcp

Critical RISK CLASS

Category Destructive

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Hiddensee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/agentics-ai-code-mcp/delete-file.md

WHAT IT DOES

What delete_file does on Code MCP Server

AI agents call delete_file to permanently remove resources in Code MCP Server, typically in cleanup and lifecycle workflows. It does its job in a single call, and there is no undo.

RISK

Why delete_file is rated Critical

This tool performs an irreversible operation that cannot be undone. Deletion of files or directories constitutes destructive action with potential to lose critical project code, configuration, or data. The blast radius depends on what is deleted (e.g., deleting core source files or entire project directories could halt development), but the action itself is inherently destructive.

From the tool's definition delete_file - Delete a file or directory. The tool name and description explicitly indicate irreversible removal of files or directories without recovery options.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs delete_file safely

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

delete_file Hidden

delete_file is removed from the agent's tool list entirely, so the agent never calls it. The rest of the server keeps working.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "hide": [
    "delete_file"
  ]
}

RESTRICT THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

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

FAQ

Questions about delete_file

What does the delete_file tool do? +

Delete a file or directory. It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the Code MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can permanently delete or destroy data. Block by default and require explicit approval.

How do I enforce a policy on delete_file? +

Register the Code MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for delete_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 Code MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is delete_file? +

delete_file is a Destructive tool with critical risk. Critical-risk tools should be blocked by default and only enabled with explicit human approval.

Can I rate-limit delete_file? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the delete_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 delete_file completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for delete_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 delete_file? +

delete_file is provided by the Code MCP Server MCP server (agentics-ai/code-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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