show_files

THE RISK

Low Risk

Why show_files needs a policy

This tool queries and returns file metadata without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing operations. It is a straightforward enumeration function with minimal blast radius if misused by an AI agent.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'List files in a model' — a retrieval operation with no modification or side effects. The purpose is to obtain file IDs for use by other tools (upload_file, download_file), confirming it is informational only.

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access show_files gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control show_files

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Anaplan MCP, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for show_files:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "show_files": {}
  }
}

show_files is read-only, so it stays allowed — but everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

Create a free account and register Anaplan MCP — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

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EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

More Anaplan MCP tools

Destructive bulk_delete_models Bulk delete closed models (WARNING: irreversible). Models must be closed first. Destructive delete_file Delete a file from a model (WARNING: irreversible). Use show_files to find the fileId. Destructive delete_list_items Remove items from a list (WARNING: irreversible). Specify id or code for each item. Use ge Destructive delete_list_readrequest Delete a large volume list read request to free server resources. Always call this after d Destructive delete_view_readrequest Delete a large volume view read request to free server resources. Always call this after d Destructive run_delete Execute a delete action on a model. Use show_actions first to find the delete action ID. Destructive close_model Close (archive) a model. Requires workspace admin. Must be closed before bulk_delete_model Destructive set_currentperiod Set current period for a model (WARNING: may cause data loss if periods are removed). Use

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Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Data exfiltration → How read access becomes an exfiltration channel when chained with untrusted content.
MCP token cost → What connecting this server costs in context-window tokens on every request.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about show_files

What does the show_files tool do? +

List files in a model. File IDs are needed for upload_file (before run_import) and download_file. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Anaplan MCP MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on show_files? +

Register the Anaplan MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for show_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 Anaplan MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is show_files? +

show_files is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit show_files? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the show_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.

How do I block show_files completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for show_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.

What MCP server provides show_files? +

show_files is provided by the Anaplan MCP server (larasrinath/anaplan-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Anaplan MCP tool call.

Start from Anaplan MCP, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

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