Returns the list of directories that this MCP server is allowed to access. If empty, the server is running without an allow-list (unrestricted filesystem access).
AI agents call list_allowed_directories to retrieve information from Project Explorer 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 metadata about the MCP server's filesystem access configuration. It performs no modifications, deletions, or executions—only queries and returns static configuration data. Even if an AI agent obtains this list, the worst outcome is understanding the server's access scope, which is informational only.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_allowed_directories' and description 'Returns the list of directories' indicates a query/retrieval operation with no side effects. The description explicitly states it 'returns' information about access permissions.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Returns the list of directories that this MCP server is allowed to access. If empty, the server is running without an allow-list (unrestricted filesystem access). It is categorised as a Read tool in the Project Explorer MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Project Explorer MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_allowed_directories: 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 Project Explorer MCP Server. Nothing to install.
list_allowed_directories 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_allowed_directories 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_allowed_directories. 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_allowed_directories is provided by the Project Explorer MCP Server MCP server (mausrundung/mcp-explorer). 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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