List all files in a directory with optional glob pattern filtering
AI agents call list_files 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 queries filesystem directory contents without side effects. It performs a read-only operation that does not create, modify, delete, or execute anything. Even though it operates on local files, the limited scope to listing/enumeration and the sandboxed design keeps risk low.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_files' and description 'List all files in a directory with optional glob pattern filtering' indicate data retrieval with no modification or deletion.
Risk signalsBulk/mass operation — affects multiple targets
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List all files in a directory with optional glob pattern filtering. 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_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 LocalFS MCP Server. Nothing to install.
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 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 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.
list_files 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.
list_files is one line of LocalFS MCP 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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