LIST ALL UPLOADED FILES - Retrieves metadata for all files currently in Gemini File API (associated with API key). Updates internal cache with latest file states. RETURNS: Array of files with uri, displayName, mimeType, sizeBytes, createTime, expirationTime, state. Also shows cachedCount indicati...
AI agents call list_files to retrieve information from Gemini MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool performs a metadata query operation with no side effects. It retrieves and displays information about existing files without altering, deleting, or executing anything. The severity is low because exposing file metadata lists poses minimal risk—the information is already known to the API key holder, and listing does not grant access to file contents or enable destructive actions.
From the tool's definition Tool description explicitly states 'Retrieves metadata for all files' and 'Returns: Array of files with uri, displayName, mimeType, sizeBytes, createTime, expirationTime, state.' The operations described are read-only: checking file availability, monitoring…
Risk signalsBulk/mass operation — affects multiple targets
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
LIST ALL UPLOADED FILES - Retrieves metadata for all files currently in Gemini File API (associated with API key). Updates internal cache with latest file states. RETURNS: Array of files with uri, displayName, mimeType, sizeBytes, createTime, expirationTime, state. Also shows cachedCount indicating files ready for immediate use. USAGE: Check file availability before chat, monitor upload status, audit storage usage (20GB project limit). It is categorised as a Read tool in the Gemini MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Gemini MCP Server 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 Gemini MCP Server. 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 Gemini MCP Server MCP server (mintmcqueen/gemini-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
list_files is one line of Gemini MCP Server's registry record.
The record carries the whole server: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, every tool classified, recommended policy — re-checked continuously.
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