move-file · Nextcloud MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What move-file does on Nextcloud

AI agents use move-file to create or update resources in Nextcloud — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Nextcloud environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why move-file needs a policy

Moving or renaming a file is a reversible write operation. While it changes the state of the filesystem, the data is preserved and the operation can be undone (by moving the file back to its original location). This is distinct from Destructive (delete-file) which is also available on this server.

From the tool's definition Tool "move-file" with description "Move or rename a file or directory in NextCloud" modifies file metadata and location within the filesystem without deleting the underlying data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

move-file Rate-limited

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.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "move-file": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "move-file_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Nextcloud, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about move-file

What does the move-file tool do? +

Move or rename a file or directory in NextCloud. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Nextcloud 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 Nextcloud 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 Nextcloud. 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 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.