compile_asset_catalog · Xcode MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What compile_asset_catalog does on Xcode

AI agents invoke compile_asset_catalog to trigger actions in Xcode. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why compile_asset_catalog needs a policy

This tool triggers compilation of asset catalogs via the actool command-line utility. While compilation itself is a build operation rather than arbitrary code execution, it processes external input (asset catalog paths) and invokes a system tool whose behavior depends on the arguments provided.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'compile_asset_catalog' and description 'Compiles an asset catalog (.xcassets) using actool' indicates execution of the actool compiler with user-supplied asset catalog paths as arguments.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

compile_asset_catalog Rate-limited

compile_asset_catalog stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "compile_asset_catalog": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "compile_asset_catalog_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Xcode, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about compile_asset_catalog

What does the compile_asset_catalog tool do? +

Compiles an asset catalog (.xcassets) using actool. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Xcode MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on compile_asset_catalog? +

Register the Xcode MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for compile_asset_catalog: 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 Xcode. Nothing to install.

What risk level is compile_asset_catalog? +

compile_asset_catalog is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit compile_asset_catalog? +

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

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

compile_asset_catalog is provided by the Xcode MCP server (xcode-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.