Delete stale or merged branches
AI agents call branch_reap to permanently remove resources in Git Steer — typically in cleanup and lifecycle workflows. It does its job in a single call, and there is no undo.
The tool explicitly performs deletion, which is an irreversible destructive action. While deleting branches is typically less critical than deleting commits or entire repositories, it still permanently removes code history and references that cannot be undone without external recovery.
From the tool's definition Delete stale or merged branches — the tool irreversibly removes branches from the repository.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Delete stale or merged branches. It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the Git Steer MCP Server, which means it can permanently delete or destroy data. Block by default and require explicit approval.
Register the Git Steer MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for branch_reap: 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 Git Steer. Nothing to install.
branch_reap 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 branch_reap 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 branch_reap. 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.
branch_reap is provided by the Git Steer MCP server (ry-ops/git-steer). 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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