AI agents call list_simulators to retrieve information from Xcode without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool performs a read-only operation to enumerate available iOS simulators. There are no side effects, data modifications, code execution, or destructive actions. The filtering options mentioned are query parameters for refining results, not operational controls. Misuse by an AI agent would be limited to accessing simulator inventory information, presenting minimal security risk.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_simulators' and description 'List all available iOS simulators' indicate a pure query operation that retrieves information about simulator availability without modifying, executing, or deleting any resources.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List all available iOS simulators with filtering options. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Xcode MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Xcode MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_simulators: 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.
list_simulators is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the list_simulators 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 list_simulators. 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.
list_simulators 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.
list_simulators is one line of Xcode's registry record.
The record carries the whole server: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, every tool classified, recommended policy — re-checked continuously.
Teams ship this data inside their own products. See what a licence covers →