list_directory

List the contents of a directory within the project in a tree-like format.

SERVERCode SOURCE54yyyu/code-mcp

Low RISK CLASS

Category Read

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Allowedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/54yyyu-code-mcp/list-directory.md

WHAT IT DOES

What list_directory does on Code

AI agents call list_directory to retrieve information from Code without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.

RISK

Why list_directory is rated Low

This tool queries and retrieves directory structure information without modifying, executing, or deleting anything. It is a read-only operation that simply presents existing filesystem metadata in a formatted view. The low severity reflects minimal blast radius if misused—an AI agent listing directories cannot cause data loss or execute arbitrary code.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_directory' and description 'List the contents of a directory within the project in a tree-like format' indicate data retrieval with no side effects.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs list_directory safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Code, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For list_directory, this is the rule to start with:

list_directory Allowed

list_directory is read-only, so it stays allowed. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "list_directory": {}
  }
}

ALLOW ONLY THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Code, apply this rule, and every list_directory call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about list_directory

What does the list_directory tool do? +

List the contents of a directory within the project in a tree-like format. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Code MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on list_directory? +

Register the Code MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_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 Code. Nothing to install.

What risk level is list_directory? +

list_directory is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit list_directory? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the list_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.

How do I block list_directory completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for list_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.

What MCP server provides list_directory? +

list_directory is provided by the Code MCP server (54yyyu/code-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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