cleanup_backups

THE RISK

Critical Risk

Why cleanup_backups needs a policy

This tool irreversibly deletes data (backup files) to free disk space. Deletion cannot be undone and represents a permanent loss of backup artifacts. While the blast radius is somewhat contained (only affects backups rather than primary data), the irreversible nature and potential for catastrophic data loss if backups are needed for recovery elevates this to Destructive category.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'cleanup_backups' and description explicitly states 'Delete old backup files'. The verb 'Delete' combined with 'backup files' indicates irreversible removal of data.

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access cleanup_backups gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control cleanup_backups

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Claude Code Toolkit, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for cleanup_backups:

policy.json

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

cleanup_backups disappears from the agent's tool list entirely, and any attempt to call it is denied. The rest of the server keeps working.

Create a free account and register Claude Code Toolkit — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

RESTRICT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

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All 40 Claude Code Toolkit tools →

Destructive tools on other servers

Android Forensics ADB MCP Server create_full_backup 0xarchive web3_revoke_key Frida Game Hacking MCP clear_scan cPanel MCP Server clear_spam_box

Go deeper

Critical-risk tools in Claude Code Toolkit → Every critical-risk tool this server exposes, in one view.
All critical-risk MCP tools → Every critical-risk tool across the catalogue, and the policy pattern that contains them.
The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Blast radius → How much damage one compromised or confused agent can do — and how to bound it.
Tool call approval → Approval gates on individual tool calls: auto-allow, prompt, or deny.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about cleanup_backups

What does the cleanup_backups tool do? +

Delete old backup files to free up disk space. It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the Claude Code Toolkit 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 cleanup_backups? +

Register the Claude Code Toolkit MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for cleanup_backups: 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 Claude Code Toolkit. Nothing to install.

What risk level is cleanup_backups? +

cleanup_backups 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 cleanup_backups? +

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

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

cleanup_backups is provided by the Claude Code Toolkit MCP server (asifkibria/claude-code-toolkit). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Claude Code Toolkit tool call.

Start from Claude Code Toolkit, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →