List files and directories on local or remote server
AI agents call ssh_list_files to retrieve information from MCP SSH 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 listing information without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing code. It performs passive reconnaissance of the filesystem. While the SSH server context includes potentially dangerous sibling tools (ssh_execute, ssh_docker_deploy, ssh_delete_credential), this specific tool is purely read-only.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'ssh_list_files' and description 'List files and directories on local or remote server' indicate a query/enumeration operation with no state modification.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List files and directories on local or remote server. It is categorised as a Read tool in the MCP SSH Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the MCP SSH Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for ssh_list_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 MCP SSH Server. Nothing to install.
ssh_list_files 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 ssh_list_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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for ssh_list_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.
ssh_list_files is provided by the MCP SSH Server MCP server (mahathirmuh/mcp-ssh-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
ssh_list_files is one line of MCP SSH Server's registry record.
The record carries the whole server: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, every tool classified, recommended policy — re-checked continuously.
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