list_allowed_directories

Returns the list of directories that this server is allowed to access.

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/list-allowed-directories.md

WHAT IT DOES

What list_allowed_directories does on MCP Filesystem Server

AI agents call list_allowed_directories 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 list_allowed_directories is rated Low

This tool simply enumerates the sandboxed directories accessible to the filesystem server. It performs no write, execute, delete, or financial operations. The information returned is metadata about the server's own access restrictions, not sensitive application data. Misuse poses minimal risk since it only reveals the server's own operational boundaries.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_allowed_directories' and description 'Returns the list of directories' indicate a query operation that retrieves configuration data without modification or side effects.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs list_allowed_directories 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 list_allowed_directories, this is the rule to start with:

list_allowed_directories Allowed

list_allowed_directories 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_allowed_directories": {}
  }
}

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 list_allowed_directories call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about list_allowed_directories

What does the list_allowed_directories tool do? +

Returns the list of directories that this server is allowed to access. 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 list_allowed_directories? +

Register the MCP Filesystem Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_allowed_directories: 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 list_allowed_directories? +

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

Can I rate-limit list_allowed_directories? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the list_allowed_directories 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_allowed_directories completely? +

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

list_allowed_directories 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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