List contents of a directory with metadata including file sizes and line counts
AI agents call list_directory to retrieve information from MCP Smart Filesystem Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves directory contents and metadata (file sizes, line counts) without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing anything. It is a pure read operation with no side effects. The security sandboxing mentioned in the server description further constrains its scope. Severity is low because directory listing poses minimal risk even if misused by an agent.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_directory' and description 'List contents of a directory with metadata including file sizes and line counts' indicate retrieval of filesystem metadata without modification or execution.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List contents of a directory with metadata including file sizes and line counts. It is categorised as a Read tool in the MCP Smart Filesystem Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the MCP Smart Filesystem 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 Smart Filesystem 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 Smart Filesystem Server MCP server (lofcz/mcp-filesystem-smart). 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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