move_file

THE RISK

Medium Risk

Why move_file needs a policy

Moving and renaming files are write operations that change data location and metadata. While not destructive (files are not deleted), this tool can have significant side effects if an AI agent moves critical system files, configuration files, or application dependencies to unexpected locations, breaking system functionality.

From the tool's definition Tool is described as 'Move or rename files and directories. Can move files between directories' — these are reversible write operations that modify file system state without deletion.

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access move_file gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control move_file

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Desktop Commander MCP, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for move_file:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "move_file": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "move_file_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

move_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.

Create a free account and register Desktop Commander MCP — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

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Write tools on other servers

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Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Argument validation → Checking tool call arguments against schema and policy before they run.
Scoped token → Per-person credentials that grant a defined subset of servers and tools.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about move_file

What does the move_file tool do? +

Move or rename files and directories. Can move files between directories. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Desktop Commander MCP 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_file? +

Register the Desktop Commander MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for move_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 Desktop Commander MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is move_file? +

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

Can I rate-limit move_file? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the move_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 move_file completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for move_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 move_file? +

move_file is provided by the Desktop Commander MCP server (mrgnss/claudedesktopcommander). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Desktop Commander MCP tool call.

Start from Desktop Commander MCP, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →