List all subdirectories in a given path with metadata
AI agents call list_directories to retrieve information from LocalFS 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 lists directory metadata without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing any operations. It is a read-only information retrieval operation with no side effects, fitting squarely within the Read category. The sandboxed filesystem context and safety limits further mitigate risk.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_directories' and description 'List all subdirectories in a given path with metadata' indicate a query operation that retrieves directory information without modification.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List all subdirectories in a given path with metadata. It is categorised as a Read tool in the LocalFS MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the LocalFS MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_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 LocalFS MCP Server. Nothing to install.
list_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_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_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_directories is provided by the LocalFS MCP Server MCP server (mcp-bridge/local-filesystem). 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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