delete_file

Delete a file (requires user approval)

SERVERCoWork OS SOURCECoWork-OS/CoWork-OS

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/cowork-os/delete-file.md

WHAT IT DOES

What delete_file does on CoWork OS

AI agents call delete_file to permanently remove resources in CoWork OS, 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 permanently removes files, which cannot be undone. Even though it requires user approval, an AI agent with access could still be manipulated into requesting deletion of critical files, application binaries, configuration files, or personal data. The impact scope depends on file system permissions, but file deletion is inherently irreversible and thus classified as Destructive rather than Write.

From the tool's definition Tool is named 'delete_file' and explicitly described as deleting a file. The description confirms this is a destructive operation: 'Delete a file (requires user approval)'. Deletion of files is irreversible data destruction.

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 CoWork OS, 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 CoWork OS, 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 (requires user approval). It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the CoWork OS 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 CoWork OS 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 CoWork OS. 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 CoWork OS MCP server (CoWork-OS/CoWork-OS). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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