move_path · Vscode MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What move_path does on Vscode

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why move_path needs a policy

Moving or renaming files is a reversible write operation—it changes metadata and location but does not delete or irreversibly destroy data. It is less severe than Destructive (which cannot be undone) but more severe than Read. The tool operates within a code editor context (VS Code/Cursor workspace), where accidental moves could disrupt project structure, justifying medium severity.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Move or rename a file or directory.' This modifies file system state by relocating or renaming paths, which is reversible (can be undone by moving back or renaming again).

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

move_path Rate-limited

move_path 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": {
    "move_path": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "move_path_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Vscode, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about move_path

What does the move_path tool do? +

Move or rename a file or directory. 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_path? +

Register the Vscode MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for move_path: 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_path? +

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

Can I rate-limit move_path? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the move_path 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_path completely? +

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

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