delete_file
Delete a file or directory on the HexStrike server.
This record as markdown: /tools/hexstrike-ai/delete-file.md
What delete_file does on Hexstrike Ai
AI agents call delete_file to permanently remove resources in Hexstrike Ai, typically in cleanup and lifecycle workflows. It does its job in a single call, and there is no undo.
Why delete_file is rated Critical
Deletion of files or directories cannot be undone and represents permanent loss of data. On a pentesting/offensive security server, this poses critical risk if an AI agent misuses the tool, as it could delete critical system files, evidence, configurations, or other essential data.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'delete_file' with description stating it can 'Delete a file or directory on the HexStrike server.' This explicitly performs irreversible deletion of data.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs delete_file safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Hexstrike Ai, 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 is removed from the agent's tool list entirely, so the agent never calls it. The rest of the server keeps working.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Hexstrike Ai, apply this rule, and every delete_file call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about delete_file
Delete a file or directory on the HexStrike server. It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the Hexstrike Ai MCP Server, which means it can permanently delete or destroy data. Block by default and require explicit approval.
Register the Hexstrike Ai 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 Hexstrike Ai. Nothing to install.
delete_file is a Destructive tool with critical risk. Critical-risk tools should be blocked by default and only enabled with explicit human approval.
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.
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.
delete_file is provided by the Hexstrike Ai MCP server (0x4m4/hexstrike-ai). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
More on Hexstrike Ai, and thousands of servers like it.
Across the catalogue