Recursively search for files and directories matching a pattern.
AI agents call search_files to retrieve information from WebDAV MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves and queries file system data based on search criteria without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing any operations. It has no side effects and no blast radius beyond potentially exposing file paths and metadata that already exist on the system. Severity is low as search results alone cannot damage systems or data.
From the tool's definition Tool performs recursive search for files and directories matching a pattern. Described as search operation with no mention of modification, deletion, or execution capabilities. The verb 'search' and function of pattern matching are read-only operations.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Recursively search for files and directories matching a pattern. It is categorised as a Read tool in the WebDAV MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the WebDAV MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for search_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 WebDAV MCP Server. Nothing to install.
search_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 search_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 search_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.
search_files is provided by the WebDAV MCP Server MCP server (masx200/mcp-webdav-server). 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.
Teams ship this data inside their own products. See what a licence covers →