Delete items from a collection with optional cascade
AI agents call delete_items to permanently remove resources in Directus MCP Server — typically in cleanup and lifecycle workflows. It does its job in a single call, and there is no undo.
This tool permanently removes data from the Directus CMS without reversibility. Even though 'cascade' is optional, the core function is destructive deletion. This is the most severe category applicable. Severity is 'high' rather than 'critical' because the blast radius depends on collection selection and item filters (not database-wide by default), though cascade operations could amplify impact.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'delete_items' with description 'Delete items from a collection with optional cascade' explicitly performs irreversible deletion of data. The 'cascade' option indicates potential deletion of related/dependent records.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Delete items from a collection with optional cascade. It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the Directus MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can permanently delete or destroy data. Block by default and require explicit approval.
Register the Directus MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for delete_items: 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 Directus MCP Server. Nothing to install.
delete_items 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 delete_items 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 delete_items. 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.
delete_items is provided by the Directus MCP Server MCP server (staminna/mcp-server-claude). 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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