list_files

List files and directories in a DBFS path with parameter: dbfs_path (string, required)

SERVERDatabricks MCP Server SOURCEandresgarciasobrado91/databricks-mcp-server

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/andresgarciasobrado91-databricks-mcp-server/list-files.md

WHAT IT DOES

What list_files does on Databricks MCP Server

AI agents call list_files to retrieve information from Databricks MCP 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_files is rated Low

This tool retrieves and lists directory contents without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing anything. It is a straightforward read-only operation analogous to 'ls' or 'list'. The parameter (dbfs_path) is purely for specifying the query scope, not for modification.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'list_files' and description states it 'List files and directories in a DBFS path' — a pure query operation with no modification or side effects.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs list_files safely

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

list_files Allowed

list_files 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_files": {}
  }
}

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

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

FAQ

Questions about list_files

What does the list_files tool do? +

List files and directories in a DBFS path with parameter: dbfs_path (string, required). It is categorised as a Read tool in the Databricks MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on list_files? +

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

What risk level is list_files? +

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

Can I rate-limit list_files? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the list_files 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_files completely? +

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

list_files is provided by the Databricks MCP Server MCP server (andresgarciasobrado91/databricks-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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