files_delete

Delete a file.

SERVERSlack SOURCEkarbassi/slack-mcp

Critical RISK CLASS

Category Destructive

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Hiddensee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/karbassi-slack-mcp/files-delete.md

WHAT IT DOES

What files_delete does on Slack

AI agents call files_delete to permanently remove resources in Slack, typically in cleanup and lifecycle workflows. It does its job in a single call, and there is no undo.

RISK

Why files_delete is rated Critical

The tool performs an irreversible deletion operation on files within Slack. This falls into the Destructive category as deleted files cannot be recovered through normal means. While not critical (no direct financial impact), it poses a high risk due to potential loss of important business documents, evidence, or communications if misused by an AI agent without proper authorization checks.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'files_delete' combined with description 'Delete a file' explicitly indicates irreversible deletion of data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs files_delete safely

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

files_delete Hidden

files_delete is removed from the agent's tool list entirely, so the agent never calls it. The rest of the server keeps working.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "hide": [
    "files_delete"
  ]
}

RESTRICT THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

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

FAQ

Questions about files_delete

What does the files_delete tool do? +

Delete a file. It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the Slack MCP Server, which means it can permanently delete or destroy data. Block by default and require explicit approval.

How do I enforce a policy on files_delete? +

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

What risk level is files_delete? +

files_delete is a Destructive tool with critical risk. Critical-risk tools should be blocked by default and only enabled with explicit human approval.

Can I rate-limit files_delete? +

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

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

files_delete is provided by the Slack MCP server (karbassi/slack-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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