List contents of a directory (requires read permission)
AI agents call list_directory to retrieve information from MCP File Operations Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool queries directory structure and returns file/folder metadata without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing anything. It is purely informational, matching the Read category definition (retrieves or queries data; no side effects). Low severity because directory listing poses minimal risk — an agent learning folder structure cannot cause harm on its own.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'list_directory' and description states 'List contents of a directory (requires read permission)' — a retrieval operation with no modification or side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List contents of a directory (requires read permission). It is categorised as a Read tool in the MCP File Operations Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the MCP File Operations Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for 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 MCP File Operations Server. Nothing to install.
list_directory 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 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. 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 is provided by the MCP File Operations Server MCP server (kavishankarks/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.
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