Critical Risk →

delete_file

Soft-delete a file by id. Moves to a 30-day trash window before the cleanup cron hard-deletes + refunds the storage quota. Restorable via the REST PATCH endpoint (PATCH /api/workspaces/{slug}/files/{id} body: {restore:true}); a PATCH-equivalent MCP tool ships in Phase 6. Editor role required. Gat...

Part of the Dock server.

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

SECURE DOCK →

Free to start. No card required.

AI agents may call delete_file to permanently remove or destroy resources in Dock. 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 Dock. 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"
  ]
}

See the full Dock policy for all 64 tools.

Get this rule live on your own Dock server in minutes. PolicyLayer enforces it on every call, before it runs.

ENFORCE ON MY DOCK →

View all 64 tools →

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.

SECURE DOCK →

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? +

Soft-delete a file by id. Moves to a 30-day trash window before the cleanup cron hard-deletes + refunds the storage quota. Restorable via the REST PATCH endpoint (PATCH /api/workspaces/{slug}/files/{id} body: {restore:true}); a PATCH-equivalent MCP tool ships in Phase 6. Editor role required. Gated behind FILES_SURFACE_ENABLED + per-user allowlist.. It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the Dock 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 Dock 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 Dock. 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 Dock MCP server (https://trydock.ai/api/mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Dock tool call.

Deterministic rules across all 64 Dock tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.

Free to start. No card required.

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

// GET IN TOUCH

Have a question or want to learn more? Send us a message.

Message sent.

We'll get back to you soon.