Get a detailed listing of all files and directories in a specified path. Results include names, types (file/directory), sizes, and modification times. Useful for understanding directory structure and finding files.
AI agents call list_directory to retrieve information from MCP PC Control Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
list_directory retrieves metadata about files and directories without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing anything. It is a straightforward read/query operation. Severity is low because directory listing alone poses minimal risk even if misused—it merely exposes filesystem structure, not sensitive data contents.
From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Get[s] a detailed listing of all files and directories' with results including 'names, types, sizes, and modification times.' This is a pure query operation with no side effects or modifications.
Risk signalsBulk/mass operation — affects multiple targets
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Get a detailed listing of all files and directories in a specified path. Results include names, types (file/directory), sizes, and modification times. Useful for understanding directory structure and finding files. It is categorised as a Read tool in the MCP PC Control Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the MCP PC Control 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 PC Control 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 PC Control Server MCP server (koopatroopa787/first_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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