list_files

List supported files (PDF, DOCX, TXT, MD) under the configured base directories and whether each is ingested. Returns { baseDirs, files, sources }; sources holds ingested items outside the base dirs (web pages, clipboard, etc.).

Server Mcp Local Rag mcp-local-rag
Category Read
Risk class Low
Parameters 00 required

What list_files does on Mcp Local Rag

AI agents call list_files to retrieve information from Mcp Local Rag without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.

Why list_files needs a policy

This tool retrieves and queries metadata about files in configured directories and their ingestion status. It performs no side effects, creates no data, executes no commands, and modifies nothing. The information returned (file listing and ingestion flags) is purely informational. Severity is low because misuse would only expose filesystem structure and ingestion metadata, not execute arbitrary code or delete data.

From the tool's definition Tool description explicitly states it 'List[s] supported files' and 'Returns { baseDirs, files, sources }' with no mention of modification, deletion, or execution.

Questions about list_files

What does the list_files tool do? +

List supported files (PDF, DOCX, TXT, MD) under the configured base directories and whether each is ingested. Returns { baseDirs, files, sources }; sources holds ingested items outside the base dirs (web pages, clipboard, etc.). It is categorised as a Read tool in the Mcp Local Rag MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on list_files? +

Register the Mcp Local Rag 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 Mcp Local Rag. Nothing to install.

What risk level is list_files? +

list_files is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit list_files? +

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.

How do I block list_files completely? +

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.

What MCP server provides list_files? +

list_files is provided by the Mcp Local Rag MCP server (mcp-local-rag). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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