unlock_files · Coord MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What unlock_files does on CoordMCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why unlock_files needs a policy

Unlocking files is a reversible write operation that modifies lock metadata rather than file content. It could enable unintended concurrent modifications if misused by an AI agent, but the effect is recoverable by re-locking. The empty description lowers confidence slightly, but the name and context clearly indicate this is a locking mechanism tool.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'unlock_files' indicates modification of file lock state; server description mentions 'file locking' as a core feature for preventing conflicts across agents.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

unlock_files Rate-limited

unlock_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": {
    "unlock_files": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "unlock_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 CoordMCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about unlock_files

What does the unlock_files tool do? +

unlock_files. It is categorised as a Write tool in the CoordMCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on unlock_files? +

Register the Coord MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for unlock_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 CoordMCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is unlock_files? +

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

Can I rate-limit unlock_files? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the unlock_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 unlock_files completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for unlock_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 unlock_files? +

unlock_files is provided by the Coord MCP server (siddiquesahabaj/coordmcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.