AI agents use create_directory to create or update resources in Xcode — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Xcode environment.
Creating directories is a Write operation—it modifies the file system by adding new structural elements, but this action is reversible (directories can be deleted). The tool is scoped to 'allowed directories' which provides some safety guardrails.
From the tool's definition Tool creates a new directory, which is a reversible file system modification. The description states 'Creates a new directory' indicating write-level file system operations.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access create_directory gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Xcode, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for create_directory:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"create_directory": {
"limits": [
{
"counter": "create_directory_rate",
"window": "minute",
"max": 30,
"scope": "grant"
}
]
}
}
}create_directory 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.
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Creates a new directory within allowed directories. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Xcode MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the Xcode MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_directory: 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.
create_directory is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_directory 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 create_directory. 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.
create_directory 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.
Deterministic rules across all 69 Xcode tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.
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69 Xcode tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 42,500+ MCP servers.