Move an item to trash (does not permanently delete). The item can be restored from trash in the Zotero client. To permanently delete, user must empty trash in Zotero.
AI agents call delete_item to permanently remove resources in Zotero — typically in cleanup and lifecycle workflows. It does its job in a single call, and there is no undo.
Although the item is moved to trash rather than permanently deleted, this is a destructive operation that removes the item from normal access. It is reversible only via manual restoration in the Zotero client, making it closer to Destructive than Write. Severity is medium rather than high because the item can be recovered from trash before it is permanently purged.
From the tool's definition 'delete_item' and 'Move an item to trash' — moves the item out of the active library
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Move an item to trash (does not permanently delete). The item can be restored from trash in the Zotero client. To permanently delete, user must empty trash in Zotero. It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the Zotero MCP Server, which means it can permanently delete or destroy data. Block by default and require explicit approval.
Register the Zotero MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for delete_item: 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 Zotero. Nothing to install.
delete_item 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_item 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_item. 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_item is provided by the Zotero MCP server (xbghc/zotero-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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