List directory contents on a beacon
AI agents call beacon_list_directory to retrieve information from Cobalt Strike MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
The tool queries and retrieves directory contents from a compromised host (beacon) without modifying, deleting, or executing operations. This is a Read operation. Severity is high because it provides reconnaissance data during active red team operations against a target system, enabling adversaries to map the filesystem and plan further attacks.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'beacon_list_directory' and description 'List directory contents on a beacon' indicate retrieval of directory listing with no side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List directory contents on a beacon. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Cobalt Strike MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Cobalt Strike MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for beacon_list_directory: 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 Cobalt Strike MCP Server. Nothing to install.
beacon_list_directory 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 beacon_list_directory 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 beacon_list_directory. 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.
beacon_list_directory is provided by the Cobalt Strike MCP Server MCP server (mickeydb/cobalt-strike-mcp). 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.
Teams ship this data inside their own products. See what a licence covers →