xctrace_record · Xctools MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What xctrace_record does on Xctools

AI agents invoke xctrace_record 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 xctrace_record needs a policy

xctrace record is an Apple command-line tool that launches and instruments processes to collect performance traces, which constitutes executing external operations. Despite the empty description lowering confidence, the tool name strongly implies running xctrace with 'record' subcommand, which spawns processes and writes trace files.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'xctrace_record' on a server described as providing access to 'xctrace for building, testing, and analyzing projects'

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

xctrace_record Rate-limited

xctrace_record 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": {
    "xctrace_record": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "xctrace_record_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 xctrace_record

What does the xctrace_record tool do? +

xctrace_record. 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 xctrace_record? +

Register the Xctools MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for xctrace_record: 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 xctrace_record? +

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

Can I rate-limit xctrace_record? +

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

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

xctrace_record 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.