// MCP TOOL REFERENCE

deleteFileOrDir

Delete one or more files or directories. Relative paths are resolved against the first MCP root (typically the workspace folder).

Admin/system-level operation

Part of the Mcp Multitool MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

mcp-multitool Destructive

// WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL

AI agents may call deleteFileOrDir to permanently remove or destroy resources in Mcp Multitool. Without a policy, an autonomous agent could delete critical data in a loop with no way to undo the damage. Intercept blocks destructive tools by default and requires explicit human approval before enabling them.

// WHY ENFORCE A POLICY ON DELETEFILEORDIR

Without a policy, an AI agent could call deleteFileOrDir in a loop, permanently destroying resources in Mcp Multitool. There is no undo for destructive operations. Intercept blocks this tool by default and only allows it when a human explicitly approves the action.

// RECOMMENDED POLICY

Destructive tools permanently remove data. Block by default. Only enable with explicit approval workflows.

mcp-multitool.yaml

tools:
  deleteFileOrDir:
    rules:
      - action: deny
        reason: "Blocked by default — enable with approval"

See the full Mcp Multitool policy for all 8 tools.

// DETAILS

Tool Name deleteFileOrDir

Category Destructive

MCP Server Mcp Multitool MCP Server

Risk Level Critical

// MORE MCP MULTITOOL TOOLS

Execute wait Write moveFileOrDir Write renameFileOrDir Read checkFileOrDir Read cloneFileOrDir Read readLogFile Read ripgrepSearch

// WHAT CAN GO WRONG

Agents calling destructive-class tools like deleteFileOrDir have been implicated in these attack patterns. Read the full case and prevention policy for each:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

// OTHER DESTRUCTIVE TOOLS ACROSS MCP SERVERS

Other tools in the Destructive risk category across the catalogue. The same policy patterns (deny, require_approval) apply to each.

AbraFlexi contact_delete AbraFlexi evidence_delete AbraFlexi invoice_issued_delete AbraFlexi product_delete ACR — Agent Composition Records acknowledge_signal AdButler campaign_bulk_delete_catalog_ad_items

// IN CONTEXT OF CRITICAL RISK

deleteFileOrDir is one of the critical-risk operations in Mcp Multitool. For the full severity-focused view — only the critical-risk tools with their recommended policies — see the breakdown for this server, or browse all critical-risk tools across every MCP server.

// RELATED READING

// FAQ

What does the deleteFileOrDir tool do? +

Delete one or more files or directories. Relative paths are resolved against the first MCP root (typically the workspace folder).. It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the Mcp Multitool 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 deleteFileOrDir? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for deleteFileOrDir. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Mcp Multitool MCP server.

What risk level is deleteFileOrDir? +

deleteFileOrDir 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 deleteFileOrDir? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the deleteFileOrDir rule in your Intercept 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 deleteFileOrDir completely? +

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for deleteFileOrDir. 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 deleteFileOrDir? +

deleteFileOrDir is provided by the Mcp Multitool MCP server (mcp-multitool). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

deleteFileOrDir

Let agents act without letting them run wild.