AI agents call ftp_get_contents to retrieve information from Ftp without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves file contents from a remote FTP/SFTP server without modifying, deleting, or executing anything. It is a pure data retrieval operation (Read category). Severity is low because misuse would only expose information already on the server, not cause irreversible changes or financial harm.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'ftp_get_contents' and description states 'Read the source text of a remote file' — explicitly a read operation with no side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Read the source text of a remote file. CRITICAL: For large files, use. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Ftp MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Ftp MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for ftp_get_contents: 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 Ftp. Nothing to install.
ftp_get_contents 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 ftp_get_contents 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 ftp_get_contents. 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.
ftp_get_contents is provided by the Ftp MCP server (kynlos/ftp-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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