xcode_clean · Xcode MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What xcode_clean does on Xcode

AI agents invoke xcode_clean 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_clean needs a policy

While cleaning a build directory is not strictly destructive (the operation is reversible via rebuilding), it is an Execute action that triggers external operations whose effects depend on the Xcode project context and configuration. It modifies the state of the build system and could disrupt active development workflows.

From the tool's definition Tool is xcode_clean which cleans the Xcode build directory; this executes a build system operation that modifies the state of the development environment by removing build artifacts and derived data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

xcode_clean Rate-limited

xcode_clean 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_clean": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "xcode_clean_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_clean

What does the xcode_clean tool do? +

Clean the Xcode build directory. 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_clean? +

Register the Xcode MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for xcode_clean: 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_clean? +

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

Can I rate-limit xcode_clean? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the xcode_clean 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_clean completely? +

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

xcode_clean 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.