xcode_archive · Xcode MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What xcode_archive does on Xcode

AI agents invoke xcode_archive to trigger actions in Xcode. 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 xcode_archive needs a policy

Archiving a project triggers a build pipeline and packages the application for distribution. This is an external operation that compiles code, runs build scripts, and produces distributable artifacts. It doesn't merely read data or write a simple file—it executes the full Xcode archive process, which can run arbitrary build scripts and post-build actions.

From the tool's definition Build an archive of the project for distribution

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

xcode_archive Rate-limited

xcode_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": {
    "xcode_archive": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "xcode_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 Xcode, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about xcode_archive

What does the xcode_archive tool do? +

Build an archive of the project for distribution. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Xcode MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on xcode_archive? +

Register the Xcode MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for xcode_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 Xcode. Nothing to install.

What risk level is xcode_archive? +

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

Can I rate-limit xcode_archive? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the xcode_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 xcode_archive completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for xcode_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 xcode_archive? +

xcode_archive is provided by the Xcode MCP server (raunaksplanet/xcode-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.