xcodebuild_archive · Xctools MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What xcodebuild_archive does on Xctools

AI agents invoke xcodebuild_archive to trigger actions in Xctools. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why xcodebuild_archive needs a policy

Archiving runs a build and packaging process via xcodebuild, executing external operations that compile code, link binaries, and produce an .xcarchive bundle. This is an Execute-category action — it triggers substantial external operations whose effects depend on arguments (project, scheme, configuration, etc.).

From the tool's definition Archive an Xcode project or workspace

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

xcodebuild_archive Rate-limited

xcodebuild_archive stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "xcodebuild_archive": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "xcodebuild_archive_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

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

FAQ

Questions about xcodebuild_archive

What does the xcodebuild_archive tool do? +

Archive an Xcode project or workspace. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Xctools MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on xcodebuild_archive? +

Register the Xctools MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for xcodebuild_archive: 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 Xctools. Nothing to install.

What risk level is xcodebuild_archive? +

xcodebuild_archive is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit xcodebuild_archive? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the xcodebuild_archive 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 xcodebuild_archive completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for xcodebuild_archive. 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 xcodebuild_archive? +

xcodebuild_archive is provided by the Xctools MCP server (nzrsky/xctools-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.