install_app

THE RISK

High Risk

Installing an app on a simulator triggers an external operation (app installation) on a running simulator environment. It doesn't merely read or write data files, but actively deploys and registers an application on the simulator. Misuse could result in installing malicious or unauthorized apps onto simulator environments, but blast radius is limited to the local simulator context.

From the tool's definition Install an app on a simulator

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

HOW TO CONTROL INSTALL_APP

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 install_app:

policy.json

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

install_app 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.

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

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

More Xcode tools

Destructive delete_file Deletes a file or directory within allowed directories. Destructive remove_swift_package Removes a Swift Package dependency from the active project. Destructive reset_simulator Reset a simulator by erasing all content and settings Destructive pod_deintegrate Deintegrate CocoaPods from the active project, removing all traces of CocoaPods. Execute build_spm_package Builds a Swift Package Manager package directly using Execute build_swift_package Builds a Swift Package using Swift Package Manager. Execute clean_swift_package Cleans the build artifacts of a Swift Package. Execute compile_asset_catalog Compiles an asset catalog (.xcassets) using actool

All 69 Xcode tools →

Execute tools on other servers

Frida Game Hacking MCP remove_breakpoint Procmon request_elevation WireMCP capture_packets Pentest Ai run_probe

Go deeper

High-risk tools in Xcode → Every high-risk tool this server exposes, in one view.
All high-risk MCP tools → Every high-risk tool across the catalogue, and the policy pattern that contains them.
The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

What does the install_app tool do? +

Install an app on a simulator. 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 install_app? +

Register the Xcode MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for install_app: 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 install_app? +

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

Can I rate-limit install_app? +

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

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

install_app 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.

Enforce policy on every Xcode tool call.

Deterministic rules across all 69 Xcode tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.

GOVERN XCODE →

Free to start. No card required.

69 Xcode tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 42,500+ MCP servers.

// WHAT INSTALL_APP ON XCODE DOES

// THE RISK

// HOW TO CONTROL INSTALL_APP

// EXPLORE