Get detailed metadata for a file or directory
AI agents call get_file_metadata to retrieve information from MCP File Browser Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
Retrieving file or directory metadata (timestamps, permissions, size, etc.) is a non-destructive read operation that does not modify, delete, or execute anything. The blast radius of misuse is minimal—an agent could learn file structure and properties but cannot cause irreversible changes or run code.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'get_file_metadata' and description states 'Get detailed metadata for a file or directory' — a retrieval operation with no modification or deletion capability.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Get detailed metadata for a file or directory. It is categorised as a Read tool in the MCP File Browser Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the MCP File Browser Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for get_file_metadata: 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 MCP File Browser Server. Nothing to install.
get_file_metadata 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 get_file_metadata 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 get_file_metadata. 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.
get_file_metadata is provided by the MCP File Browser Server MCP server (ntufar/mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
get_file_metadata is one line of MCP File Browser Server's registry record.
The record carries the whole server: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, every tool classified, recommended policy — re-checked continuously.
Teams ship this data inside their own products. See what a licence covers →