AI agents call delete_file to permanently remove resources in Xcode — typically in cleanup and lifecycle workflows. It does its job in a single call, and there is no undo.
This tool permanently removes files or directories, which cannot be undone. Deletion is an irreversible operation that destroys data. Even though it's scoped to 'allowed directories', the destructive nature of the action makes this a Destructive category risk.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'delete_file' and description states it 'Deletes a file or directory' - uses the word 'Deletes' which indicates irreversible removal of data.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access delete_file 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 delete_file:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"hide": [
"delete_file"
]
}delete_file disappears from the agent's tool list entirely, and any attempt to call it is denied. The rest of the server keeps working.
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Deletes a file or directory within allowed directories. It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the Xcode MCP Server, which means it can permanently delete or destroy data. Block by default and require explicit approval.
Register the Xcode 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 Xcode. 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 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.
Free to start. No card required.
69 Xcode tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 42,500+ MCP servers.