run_applescript

Execute exact AppleScript / osascript code on macOS.

SERVERCoWork OS SOURCECoWork-OS/CoWork-OS

High RISK CLASS

Category Execute

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Rate-limitedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/cowork-os/run-applescript.md

WHAT IT DOES

What run_applescript does on CoWork OS

AI agents invoke run_applescript to trigger actions in CoWork OS. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call: builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

RISK

Why run_applescript is rated High

This tool allows arbitrary execution of system-level scripts on the host machine. AppleScript has broad system access capabilities including file I/O, application control, and system commands. An AI agent misusing this could modify files, exfiltrate data, install malware, disable security features, or cause widespread system damage.

From the tool's definition Tool executes AppleScript/osascript code directly on macOS with no apparent restrictions or sandboxing. Description explicitly states 'Execute exact AppleScript / osascript code'.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs run_applescript 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 run_applescript, this is the rule to start with:

run_applescript Rate-limited

run_applescript stays usable, but rate-capped: a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "run_applescript": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "run_applescript_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect CoWork OS, apply this rule, and every run_applescript call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about run_applescript

What does the run_applescript tool do? +

Execute exact AppleScript / osascript code on macOS. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the CoWork OS MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on run_applescript? +

Register the CoWork OS MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for run_applescript: 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 run_applescript? +

run_applescript is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit run_applescript? +

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

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

run_applescript 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.

KEEP EXPLORING

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