serve_dir

Start a background threaded HTTP server over a folder (read-only listing plus the _share folder).

SERVERMcp Hands SOURCEhuocai250/mcp-hands

High RISK CLASS

Category Execute

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Rate-limitedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/mcp-hands/serve-dir.md

WHAT IT DOES

What serve_dir does on Mcp Hands

AI agents invoke serve_dir to trigger actions in Mcp Hands. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call: builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

RISK

Why serve_dir is rated High

serve_dir triggers real processes with real consequences. An agent gone sideways doesn't fire it once. It starts dozens of builds, sends mass notifications, or burns through compute before anyone looks up.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs serve_dir safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Mcp Hands, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For serve_dir, this is the rule to start with:

serve_dir Rate-limited

serve_dir stays usable, but rate-capped: a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "serve_dir": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "serve_dir_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Mcp Hands, apply this rule, and every serve_dir call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about serve_dir

What does the serve_dir tool do? +

Start a background threaded HTTP server over a folder (read-only listing plus the _share folder). It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Mcp Hands MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on serve_dir? +

Register the Mcp Hands MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for serve_dir: 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 Hands. Nothing to install.

What risk level is serve_dir? +

serve_dir is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit serve_dir? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the serve_dir 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.

How do I block serve_dir completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for serve_dir. 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.

What MCP server provides serve_dir? +

serve_dir is provided by the Mcp Hands MCP server (huocai250/mcp-hands). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

KEEP EXPLORING

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