AI agents call directory_tree to retrieve information from Claude Context Local without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
Despite the empty description, the name and context (a codebase indexing server) strongly suggest this tool retrieves filesystem directory information for browsing purposes. It reads/lists data with no side effects, matching the Read category. Low severity due to limited blast radius—directory enumeration poses minimal risk compared to other categories.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'directory_tree' with sibling tools like 'list_directory' and 'read_file' indicates this lists or retrieves directory structure without modification.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access directory_tree gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Claude Context Local, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for directory_tree:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"directory_tree": {}
}
}directory_tree is read-only, so it stays allowed — but everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
Free to start. No card required.
directory_tree. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Claude Context Local MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Claude Context Local MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for directory_tree: 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 Claude Context Local. Nothing to install.
directory_tree 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 directory_tree 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 directory_tree. 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.
directory_tree is provided by the Claude Context Local MCP server (mikeo-ai/claude-context-local). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Start from Claude Context Local, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.
Free to start. No card required.
9 Claude Context Local tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 43,000+ MCP servers.