List all backup files in a directory
AI agents call list_backups to retrieve information from MCP SmallEdit without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool performs data retrieval (listing files) with no side effects. It does not modify, delete, or execute anything—it simply queries and returns information about existing backup files. This is a straightforward Read category operation with minimal security risk.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_backups' and description 'List all backup files in a directory' indicate a read-only query operation that retrieves directory contents without modification.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List all backup files in a directory. It is categorised as a Read tool in the MCP SmallEdit MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the MCP SmallEdit MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_backups: 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 SmallEdit. Nothing to install.
list_backups 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_backups 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_backups. 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_backups is provided by the MCP SmallEdit MCP server (mikeybeez/mcp-smalledit). 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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