needle_list_files
AI agents call needle_list_files to retrieve information from Needle MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves or queries file data with no side effects. The 'list' prefix combined with the sibling tools context strongly indicates a read-only enumeration of files. There is no evidence of data modification, deletion, code execution, or financial impact. Confidence is slightly reduced from maximum due to the empty tool description, but the name and context are clear enough to classify with high confidence.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'needle_list_files' which clearly indicates a listing/retrieval operation. The server description mentions 'manage documents and perform Claude-powered searches', and sibling tools like 'needle_get_collection_details',…
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
needle_list_files. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Needle MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Needle MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for needle_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 Needle MCP Server. Nothing to install.
needle_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 needle_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 needle_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.
needle_list_files is provided by the Needle MCP Server MCP server (needle-ai/needle-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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