delete_file

Delete a file permanently. REQUIRES USER CONFIRMATION before

Server LocalFS MCP Server mcp-bridge/local-filesystem
Category Destructive
Risk class Critical
Parameters 00 required

What delete_file does on LocalFS MCP Server

AI agents call delete_file to permanently remove resources in LocalFS MCP Server — typically in cleanup and lifecycle workflows. It does its job in a single call, and there is no undo.

Why delete_file needs a policy

This tool irreversibly deletes data from the filesystem. Even with user confirmation as a mitigating control, the action cannot be undone once executed, making it Destructive rather than Write. The high severity reflects that permanent file deletion could cause significant data loss if an AI agent misuses it or confirms deletion without proper validation.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'delete_file' and description states 'Delete a file permanently.' The word 'permanently' indicates an irreversible action.

Questions about delete_file

What does the delete_file tool do? +

Delete a file permanently. REQUIRES USER CONFIRMATION before. It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the LocalFS MCP Server 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 delete_file? +

Register the LocalFS MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for delete_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 LocalFS MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is delete_file? +

delete_file 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 delete_file? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the delete_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 delete_file completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for delete_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 delete_file? +

delete_file is provided by the LocalFS MCP Server MCP server (mcp-bridge/local-filesystem). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

// LOOK UP ANOTHER SERVER

Every MCP server has a record like this.

Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.

Teams ship this data inside their own products. See what a licence covers →

// GET IN TOUCH

Have a question or want to learn more? Send us a message.

Message sent.

We'll get back to you soon.