xcode_profile_app · Xcode MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What xcode_profile_app does on Xcode

AI agents invoke xcode_profile_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_profile_app needs a policy

This tool runs xctrace/Instruments against an application, which is an external process execution that triggers performance profiling. It doesn't merely read static data — it launches a profiling session that instruments the app at runtime. No irreversible data destruction or financial impact, but it executes external tooling with side effects depending on arguments.

From the tool's definition Profile an app using xctrace (Instruments)

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

xcode_profile_app Rate-limited

xcode_profile_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_profile_app": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "xcode_profile_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_profile_app

What does the xcode_profile_app tool do? +

Profile an app using xctrace (Instruments). 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_profile_app? +

Register the Xcode MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for xcode_profile_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_profile_app? +

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

Can I rate-limit xcode_profile_app? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the xcode_profile_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_profile_app completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for xcode_profile_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_profile_app? +

xcode_profile_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.