Delete a file or directory from NextCloud
AI agents call delete-file to permanently remove resources in Nextcloud — typically in cleanup and lifecycle workflows. It does its job in a single call, and there is no undo.
Deletion of files is an irreversible operation that cannot be undone through normal means. While NextCloud may retain backups or versioning (evidenced by the sibling 'restore-file-version' tool), the delete-file action itself permanently removes user-accessible data. This poses significant risk if an AI agent is misdirected or receives a malicious prompt to delete important files.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'delete-file' and description states 'Delete a file or directory from NextCloud' — explicitly performs irreversible deletion of data.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Delete a file or directory from NextCloud. It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the Nextcloud MCP Server, which means it can permanently delete or destroy data. Block by default and require explicit approval.
Register the Nextcloud 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 Nextcloud. 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 Nextcloud MCP server (nextcloud-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the 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 →