List files and directories in a remote directory via SFTP
AI agents call sftp_list to retrieve information from SSH MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool performs a read-only operation (listing directory contents) with no side effects on the remote system. However, severity is elevated to 'medium' rather than 'low' because: (1) the broader SSH MCP Server permits command execution and file transfers, creating context where directory enumeration could facilitate lateral movement or reconnaissance in a compromised agent scenario; (2) directory listings can…
From the tool's definition Tool name 'sftp_list' and description 'List files and directories in a remote directory via SFTP' indicate a query operation that retrieves directory contents without modifying data.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List files and directories in a remote directory via SFTP. It is categorised as a Read tool in the SSH MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the SSH MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for sftp_list: 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 SSH MCP Server. Nothing to install.
sftp_list 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 sftp_list 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 sftp_list. 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.
sftp_list is provided by the SSH MCP Server MCP server (kpanuragh/ssh-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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