list_directory_with_sizes
Get a detailed listing of all files and directories in a specified path, including sizes.
This record as markdown: /tools/cowork-bench/list-directory-with-sizes.md
What list_directory_with_sizes does on Cowork Bench
AI agents call list_directory_with_sizes to retrieve information from Cowork Bench without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
Why list_directory_with_sizes is rated Low
This tool retrieves and queries filesystem information without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing anything. It is a read-only operation with minimal blast radius if misused by an agent—at worst it exposes directory structure and file sizes that may already be accessible.
From the tool's definition Tool name contains 'list' and description states 'Get a detailed listing of all files and directories in a specified path, including sizes' — purely retrieves directory metadata with no modification or execution capability.
Risk signalsBulk/mass operation — affects multiple targets
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs list_directory_with_sizes safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Cowork Bench, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For list_directory_with_sizes, this is the rule to start with:
list_directory_with_sizes is read-only, so it stays allowed. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Cowork Bench, apply this rule, and every list_directory_with_sizes call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about list_directory_with_sizes
Get a detailed listing of all files and directories in a specified path, including sizes. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Cowork Bench MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Cowork Bench MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_directory_with_sizes: 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 Cowork Bench. Nothing to install.
list_directory_with_sizes is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the list_directory_with_sizes 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for list_directory_with_sizes. 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.
list_directory_with_sizes is provided by the Cowork Bench MCP server (0717376/cowork_bench). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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