compress_files · MCP Workspace Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What compress_files does on MCP Workspace Server

AI agents use compress_files to create or update resources in MCP Workspace Server — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your MCP Workspace Server environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why compress_files needs a policy

Compression creates new archive files without permanently destroying original data and is fully reversible (archives can be extracted or deleted). This is a Write operation rather than Destructive. Severity is low because the blast radius is confined to workspace directory creation; archives don't expose system-level risks or bypass sandbox constraints.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Create[s] compressed archives (ZIP, TAR, etc.) from files and directories' — a reversible creation operation that modifies the file system by adding new compressed archive files.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

compress_files Rate-limited

compress_files stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "compress_files": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "compress_files_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches MCP Workspace Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about compress_files

What does the compress_files tool do? +

Create compressed archives (ZIP, TAR, etc.) from files and directories. It is categorised as a Write tool in the MCP Workspace Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on compress_files? +

Register the MCP Workspace Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for compress_files: 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 MCP Workspace Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is compress_files? +

compress_files is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit compress_files? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the compress_files 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 compress_files completely? +

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

compress_files is provided by the MCP Workspace Server MCP server (shayyeffet/ultimate_mcp_server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.