List files in a directory. Returns only files (not folders). IMPORTANT: Path must end with / (e.g.,
AI agents call list_files to retrieve information from Obsidian HTTP MCP without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
The tool queries and returns a directory listing without modifying, creating, or deleting any data. It is a straightforward read operation with minimal risk; even if an AI agent misuses it by listing unexpected directories, no data is altered or destroyed. Severity is low due to the limited blast radius.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'list_files' and description states 'List files in a directory. Returns only files (not folders).' This is a retrieval operation with no side effects.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access list_files gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Obsidian HTTP MCP, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for list_files:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"list_files": {}
}
}list_files is read-only, so it stays allowed — but everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
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List files in a directory. Returns only files (not folders). IMPORTANT: Path must end with / (e.g.,. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Obsidian HTTP MCP MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Obsidian HTTP 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 Obsidian HTTP MCP. 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 Obsidian HTTP MCP server (nasandnora/obsidian-http-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Start from Obsidian HTTP MCP, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.
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12 Obsidian HTTP MCP tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 43,000+ MCP servers.