directory_tree

Get a recursive tree view of files and directories as a JSON structure.

SERVERMCP Filesystem Server SOURCEa-niranjan/mcp-filesystem

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/a-niranjan-mcp-filesystem/directory-tree.md

WHAT IT DOES

What directory_tree does on MCP Filesystem Server

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

RISK

Why directory_tree is rated Low

This tool retrieves and queries filesystem metadata (directory structure and file listing) with no side effects. It does not create, modify, delete, or execute anything—it only returns information about existing directory contents in JSON format. The 'Get' verb and lack of any mutation capability clearly categorize this as a Read operation with low severity.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'directory_tree' and description 'Get a recursive tree view of files and directories as a JSON structure' indicate a read-only operation that retrieves directory information without modification.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs directory_tree safely

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

directory_tree Allowed

directory_tree 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": {
    "directory_tree": {}
  }
}

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

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

FAQ

Questions about directory_tree

What does the directory_tree tool do? +

Get a recursive tree view of files and directories as a JSON structure. It is categorised as a Read tool in the MCP Filesystem Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on directory_tree? +

Register the MCP Filesystem Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for directory_tree: 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 MCP Filesystem Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is directory_tree? +

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

Can I rate-limit directory_tree? +

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

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

directory_tree is provided by the MCP Filesystem Server MCP server (a-niranjan/mcp-filesystem). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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