extract_archive

THE RISK

Medium Risk

Why extract_archive needs a policy

Extracting an archive writes files to the filesystem and can create directories. It is reversible (files can be deleted afterward), so it falls under Write rather than Destructive. However, extraction could overwrite existing files depending on implementation, which slightly elevates severity to medium.

From the tool's definition Extract files from an archive. Creates destination directory if it doesn't exist.

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

POLICY

How to control extract_archive

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

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "extract_archive": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "extract_archive_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

extract_archive 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.

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

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

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All 84 Claude TypeScript MCP Servers tools →

Write tools on other servers

M-Team MCP Server download_torrent YouTube MCP Server generate_video_title Android Forensics ADB MCP Server combine_reports 0xarchive web3_signup

Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Argument validation → Checking tool call arguments against schema and policy before they run.
Scoped token → Per-person credentials that grant a defined subset of servers and tools.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about extract_archive

What does the extract_archive tool do? +

Extract files from an archive. Supports zip, tar, and tar.gz formats. Creates destination directory if it doesn. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Claude TypeScript MCP Servers MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on extract_archive? +

Register the Claude TypeScript MCP Servers MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for extract_archive: 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 Claude TypeScript MCP Servers. Nothing to install.

What risk level is extract_archive? +

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

Can I rate-limit extract_archive? +

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

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

extract_archive is provided by the Claude TypeScript MCP Servers MCP server (ukkz/claude-ts-mcps). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Claude TypeScript MCP Servers tool call.

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

CHECK YOUR STACK →