Delete a file and all of its retained versions and any cached summary.
AI agents call delete_file to permanently remove resources in Scratchpad — typically in cleanup and lifecycle workflows. It does its job in a single call, and there is no undo.
This tool permanently deletes files and their version history, which is irreversible data loss. It is Destructive rather than Write because the deletion cannot be undone. Severity is high because an agent misconfiguration or prompt injection could cause permanent loss of user data stored in the scratchpad.
From the tool's definition 'Delete a file and all of its retained versions and any cached summary.' — the tool irreversibly removes data (file, versions, cache) with no undo mechanism.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Delete a file and all of its retained versions and any cached summary. It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the Scratchpad MCP Server, which means it can permanently delete or destroy data. Block by default and require explicit approval.
Register the Scratchpad 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 Scratchpad. Nothing to install.
delete_file is a Destructive tool with critical risk. Critical-risk tools should be blocked by default and only enabled with explicit human approval.
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.
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.
delete_file is provided by the Scratchpad MCP server (mikepressure/scratchpad-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
delete_file is one line of Scratchpad's registry record.
The record carries the whole server: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, every tool classified, recommended policy — re-checked continuously.
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