sftp_list_directory

List files and directories at a remote path.

SERVERSSH MCP Server SOURCEbhayanak/ssh-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/bhayanak-ssh-mcp-server/sftp-list-directory.md

WHAT IT DOES

What sftp_list_directory does on SSH MCP Server

AI agents call sftp_list_directory to retrieve information from SSH 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 sftp_list_directory is rated Low

This tool retrieves directory contents from a remote server without side effects. It is a query operation that does not create, modify, delete, or execute anything. The blast radius of misuse is minimal—an attacker gains visibility into remote filesystem structure but cannot alter or interact with systems.

From the tool's definition Tool name contains 'list' and description states 'List files and directories at a remote path' with no modification or execution capability.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs sftp_list_directory safely

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

sftp_list_directory Allowed

sftp_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": {
    "sftp_list_directory": {}
  }
}

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

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

FAQ

Questions about sftp_list_directory

What does the sftp_list_directory tool do? +

List files and directories at a remote path. It is categorised as a Read tool in the SSH MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on sftp_list_directory? +

Register the SSH MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for sftp_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 SSH MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is sftp_list_directory? +

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

Can I rate-limit sftp_list_directory? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the sftp_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 sftp_list_directory completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for sftp_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 sftp_list_directory? +

sftp_list_directory is provided by the SSH MCP Server MCP server (bhayanak/ssh-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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