xcode_launch_app · Xcode MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What xcode_launch_app does on Xcode

AI agents invoke xcode_launch_app 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_launch_app needs a policy

Launching an app executes code whose behavior and side effects are determined by the application itself and its runtime state. While confined to a simulator (reducing blast radius vs. host execution), this remains an Execute category action because it triggers external operations and code execution.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'xcode_launch_app' and description 'Launch an app on a simulator' indicates triggering execution of an application binary on a simulated environment. This is a direct invocation of code execution whose effects depend on the app being launched.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

xcode_launch_app Rate-limited

xcode_launch_app 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_launch_app": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "xcode_launch_app_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_launch_app

What does the xcode_launch_app tool do? +

Launch an app on a simulator. 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_launch_app? +

Register the Xcode MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for xcode_launch_app: 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_launch_app? +

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

Can I rate-limit xcode_launch_app? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the xcode_launch_app 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_launch_app completely? +

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

xcode_launch_app 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.