AI agents call list_dir to retrieve information from Delta-MCP without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves and queries filesystem directory structure without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing anything. It has no side effects and fits the 'Read' category. Severity is low because directory listing is a basic, non-destructive operation with minimal blast radius unless sensitive path structures are exposed, but that is an information disclosure concern rather than an operational risk.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_dir' and description 'List directory contents at given path' indicate retrieval of directory information with no modification or execution of code.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List directory contents at given path. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Delta-MCP MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Delta- MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_dir: 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 Delta-MCP. Nothing to install.
list_dir 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_dir 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_dir. 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_dir is provided by the Delta- MCP server (norhther/delta-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.
Teams ship this data inside their own products. See what a licence covers →