List files and directories in the given path.
AI agents call list_files to retrieve information from Simple MCP without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
The tool performs a directory listing operation, which is a read-only query that retrieves information about files and directories without modifying, deleting, or executing anything. It has minimal blast radius—an AI agent misusing it could only enumerate filesystem contents, which poses no destructive or execution risk.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'list_files' and description states it 'List files and directories in the given path.' This is a retrieval operation with no side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List files and directories in the given path. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Simple MCP MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Simple 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 Simple MCP. Nothing to install.
list_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 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.
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.
list_files is provided by the Simple MCP server (karar-hayder/simple-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
Teams ship this data inside their own products. See what a licence covers →