Critical Risk →

delete_file

Delete a file or directory from a site's container. Directories are deleted recursively. Protected system paths (e.g. /etc, /usr) cannot be deleted. Requires: API key with write scope. Args: slug: Site identifier path: Relative path to delete Returns: {"success": true, "path": "...", "message": "...

Risk signalsAccepts file system path (path)

Part of the BorealHost server.

delete_file can permanently delete data in BorealHost, with no limits today. PolicyLayer puts allow, deny, and rate-limit rules on every call. Live in minutes.

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AI agents may call delete_file to permanently remove or destroy resources in BorealHost. Without a policy, an autonomous agent could delete critical data in a loop with no way to undo the damage. PolicyLayer blocks destructive tools by default and requires explicit human approval before enabling them.

Without a policy, an AI agent could call delete_file in a loop, permanently destroying resources in BorealHost. There is no undo for destructive operations. PolicyLayer blocks this tool by default and only allows it when a human explicitly approves the action.

Destructive tools permanently remove data. Block by default. Only enable with explicit approval workflows.

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

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These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access delete_file gives an agent. Each links to the full case and the policy that stops it:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

Every attack above starts with a tool call. PolicyLayer checks each one against your policy first, so delete_file only ever does what you allow.

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Other destructive tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: deny by default, or require human approval.

What does the delete_file tool do? +

Delete a file or directory from a site's container. Directories are deleted recursively. Protected system paths (e.g. /etc, /usr) cannot be deleted. Requires: API key with write scope. Args: slug: Site identifier path: Relative path to delete Returns: {"success": true, "path": "...", "message": "Deleted"} Errors: NOT_FOUND: Path doesn't exist FORBIDDEN: Protected system path. It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the BorealHost 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 BorealHost 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 BorealHost. 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 BorealHost MCP server (pypi:borealhost-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every BorealHost tool call.

Deterministic rules across all 95 BorealHost tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.

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4,600+ MCP servers and 31,000+ tools scanned and risk-classified.

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