Safely delete a file with protection checks. Only works within allowed paths. Use preview=true to see what will be deleted first.
AI agents call delete_file to permanently remove resources in Local Files 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 files from the filesystem. Although the implementation includes safety features (path restrictions, preview mode), the core operation is destructive and cannot be undone. The high severity reflects that unchecked file deletion could remove critical data, configuration files, or user documents. Confidence is high because the destructive nature is explicit in both the name and description.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'delete_file' and description states it 'delete[s] a file' with 'protection checks' and 'preview=true' option. Deletion is irreversible by definition.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Safely delete a file with protection checks. Only works within allowed paths. Use preview=true to see what will be deleted first. It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the Local Files MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can permanently delete or destroy data. Block by default and require explicit approval.
Register the Local Files MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for delete_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 Local Files MCP Server. Nothing to install.
delete_file 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_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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for delete_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.
delete_file is provided by the Local Files MCP Server MCP server (tobiasarg/localfilesorganizer-mcp). 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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