// MCP TOOL REFERENCE

rsync

Syncs files between local and remote locations using rsync. WARNING: Defaults to dry-run mode for safety — set dryRun=false to actually transfer files. Returns structured transfer statistics.

ServerHttp
CategoryExecute

How to control rsync ↓

WHAT IT DOES

What rsync does on Http

AI agents invoke rsync to trigger actions in Http. 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.

THE RISK

High Risk

Why rsync needs a policy

rsync executes file synchronization operations between local and remote locations. While it defaults to dry-run mode, when dryRun=false it actively transfers and potentially overwrites files on remote systems. This constitutes an Execute-level operation with high severity, as an AI agent could misconfigure source/destination paths, overwrite important data on remote systems, or exfiltrate sensitive files.

From the tool's definition Syncs files between local and remote locations using rsync... set dryRun=false to actually transfer files

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

POLICY

How to control rsync

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

policy.json

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

rsync 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.

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

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

More Http tools

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All 202 Http tools →

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Go deeper

Govern code and CI agents → Branch allowlists, approval on merges, and rate caps on the build and pipeline tools agents trigger.
High-risk tools in Http → Every high-risk tool this server exposes, in one view.
All high-risk MCP tools → Every high-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.
Agent sandbox → Bounding what an agent can execute and where the boundary should sit.
Least privilege for MCP → Granting agents the minimum tool surface the task needs.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →
PolicyLayer vs alternatives → How deterministic, per-call MCP policy compares with gateways, identity layers, and authorisation platforms.

FAQ

Questions about rsync

What does the rsync tool do? +

Syncs files between local and remote locations using rsync. WARNING: Defaults to dry-run mode for safety — set dryRun=false to actually transfer files. Returns structured transfer statistics. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Http MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on rsync? +

Register the Http MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for rsync: 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 Http. Nothing to install.

What risk level is rsync? +

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

Can I rate-limit rsync? +

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

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

rsync is provided by the Http MCP server (@paretools/http). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Http tool call.

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

CHECK YOUR STACK →

Free to start. No card required.

202 Http tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 43,000+ MCP servers.