list_directory_with_sizes
Get a detailed listing of all files and directories in a specified path, including sizes. Results clearly distinguish between files and directories with [FILE] and [DIR] prefixes. This tool is useful for understanding directory structure and finding specific files within a directory. Only works w...
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What list_directory_with_sizes does on Filesystem
AI agents call list_directory_with_sizes to retrieve information from Filesystem without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
path | string | Yes | |
sortBy | string | — | Sort entries by name or size |
Parameters from the server's own tool schema.
Why list_directory_with_sizes is rated Low
This tool queries and returns metadata about files and directories (names, sizes, types) without any side effects. It performs directory traversal and information retrieval, which are characteristic of Read category tools. There is no modification, deletion, execution, or financial activity involved.
From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Get[s] a detailed listing of all files and directories' and is 'useful for understanding directory structure and finding specific files within a directory.' These are read-only operations that retrieve information without…
Risk signalsAccepts file system path (path) · Bulk/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 Filesystem, 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 Filesystem, 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. Results clearly distinguish between files and directories with [FILE] and [DIR] prefixes. This tool is useful for understanding directory structure and finding specific files within a directory. Only works within allowed directories. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Filesystem MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
list_directory_with_sizes accepts 2 parameters: path, sortBy. Required: path. The full parameter table on this page comes from the server's own tool schema.
Register the Filesystem 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 Filesystem. 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 Filesystem MCP server (@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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