branch_delete

THE RISK

Critical Risk

Why branch_delete needs a policy

Deleting a Git branch permanently removes the branch reference and its history becomes unreachable (unless it's in the reflog). This is an irreversible destructive action that fits the Destructive category.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'branch_delete' with description 'Delete a branch'. The verb 'delete' combined with branch deletion is an irreversible operation that cannot be undone without additional recovery steps.

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access branch_delete gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control branch_delete

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Git MCP Server, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for branch_delete:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "hide": [
    "branch_delete"
  ]
}

branch_delete disappears from the agent's tool list entirely, and any attempt to call it is denied. The rest of the server keeps working.

Create a free account and register Git MCP Server — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

RESTRICT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

More Git MCP Server tools

Destructive remote_remove Remove a remote Destructive stash_pop Apply and remove a stash Destructive tag_delete Delete a tag Execute bulk_action Execute multiple Git operations in sequence. This is the preferred way to execute multiple Execute checkout Switch branches or restore working tree files Write add Stage files Write branch_create Create a new branch Write clone Clone a repository

All 21 Git MCP Server tools →

Destructive tools on other servers

Android Forensics ADB MCP Server create_full_backup 0xarchive web3_revoke_key Frida Game Hacking MCP clear_scan cPanel MCP Server clear_spam_box

Go deeper

Critical-risk tools in Git MCP Server → Every critical-risk tool this server exposes, in one view.
All critical-risk MCP tools → Every critical-risk tool across the catalogue, and the policy pattern that contains them.
The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Blast radius → How much damage one compromised or confused agent can do — and how to bound it.
Tool call approval → Approval gates on individual tool calls: auto-allow, prompt, or deny.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about branch_delete

What does the branch_delete tool do? +

Delete a branch. It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the Git MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can permanently delete or destroy data. Block by default and require explicit approval.

How do I enforce a policy on branch_delete? +

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

What risk level is branch_delete? +

branch_delete is a Destructive tool with critical risk. Critical-risk tools should be blocked by default and only enabled with explicit human approval.

Can I rate-limit branch_delete? +

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

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

branch_delete is provided by the Git MCP Server MCP server (sheshiyer/git-mcp-v2). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Git MCP Server tool call.

Start from Git MCP Server, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →