List files stored for the given agent. Optionally filter by path prefix.
AI agents call list_files to retrieve information from Scratchpad without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves metadata about stored files without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing anything. It is a straightforward read operation that returns information scoped to the requesting agent. The optional path prefix filter is a retrieval parameter, not a destructive or executable action.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_files' and description 'List files stored for the given agent' indicate a query/retrieval operation with no modification or side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List files stored for the given agent. Optionally filter by path prefix. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Scratchpad MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Scratchpad 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 Scratchpad. 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 Scratchpad MCP server (mikepressure/scratchpad-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.
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