read_multiple_files
Read the contents of multiple files simultaneously. This is more efficient than reading files one by one when you need to analyze or compare multiple files. Each file's content is returned with its path as a reference. Failed reads for individual files won't stop the entire operation. Only works ...
This record as markdown: /tools/filesystem/read-multiple-files.md
What read_multiple_files does on Filesystem
AI agents call read_multiple_files 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
paths | array | Yes | Array of file paths to read. Each path must be a string pointing to a valid file within allowed directories. |
Parameters from the server's own tool schema.
Why read_multiple_files is rated Low
This tool retrieves file contents without any side effects or modifications. It queries and returns data from the filesystem. The constraint to 'allowed directories' and the read-only nature make this a straightforward Read category tool with low severity—misuse would only expose data already accessible to the agent, not cause irreversible changes or execute arbitrary operations.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'read_multiple_files' and description states it 'Read the contents of multiple files simultaneously' with no modification or deletion capability mentioned.
Risk signalsBulk/mass operation — affects multiple targets
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs read_multiple_files 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 read_multiple_files, this is the rule to start with:
read_multiple_files 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 read_multiple_files call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about read_multiple_files
Read the contents of multiple files simultaneously. This is more efficient than reading files one by one when you need to analyze or compare multiple files. Each file's content is returned with its path as a reference. Failed reads for individual files won't stop the entire operation. 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.
read_multiple_files accepts 1 parameter: paths. Required: paths. 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 read_multiple_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 Filesystem. Nothing to install.
read_multiple_files 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 read_multiple_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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for read_multiple_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.
read_multiple_files 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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