Perform recursive pattern-based searches for files and directories.
AI agents call glob_files to retrieve information from Vulcan File Ops without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
The glob_files tool retrieves or lists files matching a pattern—a classic search/filter operation. It has no side effects: it does not create, modify, delete, or execute anything. The 'recursive pattern-based searches' phrasing confirms read-only traversal. Severity is low because misuse (querying unintended directories) has limited blast radius compared to write, execute, or destructive operations.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'glob_files' and description 'Perform recursive pattern-based searches for files and directories' indicate a query/search operation with no modification or deletion of data.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access glob_files gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Vulcan File Ops, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for glob_files:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"glob_files": {}
}
}glob_files is read-only, so it stays allowed — but everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
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Perform recursive pattern-based searches for files and directories. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Vulcan File Ops MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Vulcan File Ops MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for glob_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 Vulcan File Ops. Nothing to install.
glob_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 glob_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 glob_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.
glob_files is provided by the Vulcan File Ops MCP server (n0zer0d4y/vulcan-file-ops). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Start from Vulcan File Ops, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.
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15 Vulcan File Ops tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 43,000+ MCP servers.