Deletes documents matching the provided query.
AI agents call delete_by_query to permanently remove resources in Elasticsearch/OpenSearch MCP Server — typically in cleanup and lifecycle workflows. It does its job in a single call, and there is no undo.
This tool irreversibly deletes documents from an Elasticsearch/OpenSearch index based on query parameters. The operation cannot be undone and the blast radius is critical: a malformed or malicious query could delete large volumes of data or entire document sets. This meets the Destructive category definition of 'irreversibly deletes or overwrites data, or actions that cannot be undone'.
From the tool's definition delete_by_query" - tool name explicitly contains 'delete'; description states 'Deletes documents matching the provided query' indicating irreversible removal of data matching arbitrary criteria
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Deletes documents matching the provided query. It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the Elasticsearch/OpenSearch MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can permanently delete or destroy data. Block by default and require explicit approval.
Register the Elasticsearch/OpenSearch MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for delete_by_query: 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 Elasticsearch/OpenSearch MCP Server. Nothing to install.
delete_by_query is a Destructive tool with critical risk. Critical-risk tools should be blocked by default and only enabled with explicit human approval.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the delete_by_query 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for delete_by_query. 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.
delete_by_query is provided by the Elasticsearch/OpenSearch MCP Server MCP server (rbedoyag/elasticsearch-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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