move_file_code

THE RISK

Medium Risk

Why move_file_code needs a policy

Moving a file modifies filesystem metadata and is reversible (the file can be moved back). This is Write-category behavior, not Destructive, since the data itself is not deleted or overwritten—only its location changes. Severity is medium because incorrect moves could disrupt project structure or scripts that reference hardcoded paths, but the operation is not irreversible and data remains intact.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'move_file_code' and description 'Moves a file or directory to a new location using VS Code' indicate modification of file system state. Moving a file changes metadata (location/path) reversibly.

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

POLICY

How to control move_file_code

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

policy.json

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

move_file_code 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.

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

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

More Vscode tools

Execute execute_shell_command_code Executes shell commands in VS Code integrated terminal. WHEN TO USE: Running CLI Write copy_file_code Copies a file to a new location. WHEN TO USE: Creating backups, duplicating files Write create_file_code Creates new files or completely rewrites existing files. WHEN TO USE: New files, Write rename_file_code Renames a file or directory using VS Code Write replace_lines_code Replaces specific lines in existing files with exact content validation. WHEN TO Read get_diagnostics_code CRITICAL: Run this after EVERY series of code changes to check for errors before completin Read get_document_symbols_code Gets complete symbol outline for a file showing hierarchical structure and line numbers. Read get_symbol_definition_code Gets definition information for a symbol using hover data (type, docs, source). W

All 12 Vscode tools →

Write tools on other servers

M-Team MCP Server download_torrent YouTube MCP Server generate_video_title Android Forensics ADB MCP Server combine_reports 0xarchive web3_signup

Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Argument validation → Checking tool call arguments against schema and policy before they run.
Scoped token → Per-person credentials that grant a defined subset of servers and tools.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about move_file_code

What does the move_file_code tool do? +

Moves a file or directory to a new location using VS Code. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Vscode MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on move_file_code? +

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

What risk level is move_file_code? +

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

Can I rate-limit move_file_code? +

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

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

move_file_code is provided by the Vscode MCP server (juehang/vscode-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Vscode tool call.

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

CHECK YOUR STACK →