list_directory

THE RISK

Low Risk

Why list_directory needs a policy

This tool retrieves and queries directory structure information without performing any side effects, modifications, or destructive operations. It is a straightforward read operation analogous to 'ls' or 'find' commands used for inspection only.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_directory' and description 'List directory structure relative to the project path. Returns a tree of files and directories.' indicate retrieval of filesystem metadata with no modification, deletion, or execution.

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

POLICY

How to control list_directory

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

policy.json

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

list_directory 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 MCP Project Standards Server — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

CAP THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

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All 11 MCP Project Standards Server tools →

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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 list_directory

What does the list_directory tool do? +

List directory structure relative to the project path. Returns a tree of files and directories. It is categorised as a Read tool in the MCP Project Standards Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on list_directory? +

Register the MCP Project Standards 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 Project Standards Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is list_directory? +

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

Can I rate-limit list_directory? +

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.

How do I block list_directory completely? +

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.

What MCP server provides list_directory? +

list_directory is provided by the MCP Project Standards Server MCP server (liliangshan/mcp-server-project-standards). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every MCP Project Standards Server tool call.

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

CHECK YOUR STACK →