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.

SERVERSearch SOURCEDave-London/Pare

Medium RISK CLASS

Category Write

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Rate-limitedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/io-github-dave-london-pare-search/rsync.md

WHAT IT DOES

What rsync does on Search

AI agents use rsync to create or update resources in Search, usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Search environment.

RISK

Why rsync is rated Medium

rsync transfers/overwrites files between locations. While it can be reversible in principle, it can overwrite destination files with source content. The dry-run default suggests awareness of destructive potential, but the primary action is writing/syncing files.

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

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs rsync safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Search, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For rsync, this is the rule to start with:

rsync Rate-limited

rsync stays usable, but capped: an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "rsync": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "rsync_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

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

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 Write tool in the Search MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on rsync? +

Register the Search 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 Search. Nothing to install.

What risk level is rsync? +

rsync is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

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 Search MCP server (Dave-London/Pare). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

KEEP EXPLORING

More on Search, and thousands of servers like it.

This server

All 202 Search tools →

Across the catalogue

The MCP Attack Database →

Guides

Govern customer-ops agents →Argument validation →Scoped token →