backup_file · File Patch MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What backup_file does on File Patch MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why backup_file needs a policy

Creating backups is a write operation that creates new data reversibly. It has minimal blast radius since backups don't modify source data or cause irreversible changes. The operation is beneficial for safety (consistent with the server's security validation focus) and can be undone by simply deleting the backup file. This is not Execute because no code/commands are being run; it's a standard data creation operation.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'backup_file' and description 'Create a timestamped backup' indicate creation of new backup data/files.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

backup_file Rate-limited

backup_file 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": {
    "backup_file": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "backup_file_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 File Patch MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about backup_file

What does the backup_file tool do? +

Create a timestamped backup. It is categorised as a Write tool in the File Patch MCP 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 backup_file? +

Register the File Patch MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for backup_file: 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 File Patch MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is backup_file? +

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

Can I rate-limit backup_file? +

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

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

backup_file is provided by the File Patch MCP Server MCP server (shenning00/patch_mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.