copy_file · MCP PC Control Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What copy_file does on MCP PC Control Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why copy_file needs a policy

copy_file creates new file copies and may auto-create directories, making it a Write operation (reversible data modification). While the source is preserved, the tool modifies filesystem state by adding new files. Severity is medium because uncontrolled copying could consume disk space or overwrite existing files if the destination exists, but the operation is reversible (files can be deleted).

From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Copy a file to a new location' and 'destination directory does not exist it will be created automatically', indicating file creation and modification operations.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

copy_file Rate-limited

copy_file 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": {
    "copy_file": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "copy_file_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 MCP PC Control Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about copy_file

What does the copy_file tool do? +

Copy a file to a new location. The source file is preserved. If the destination directory does not exist it will be created automatically. It is categorised as a Write tool in the MCP PC Control Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on copy_file? +

Register the MCP PC Control Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for copy_file: 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 MCP PC Control Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is copy_file? +

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

Can I rate-limit copy_file? +

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

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

copy_file is provided by the MCP PC Control Server MCP server (koopatroopa787/first_mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.