Lists all files and directories in the root of your Obsidian vault.
AI agents call list_files_in_vault to retrieve information from Obsidian Modified without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool performs a directory listing operation, which is a passive read-only query. It returns structured information about vault contents without creating, modifying, deleting, executing, or initiating any financial transactions. The narrow scope (root level only) and non-destructive nature make this a standard Read operation with minimal risk even if misused by an agent.
From the tool's definition "Lists all files and directories in the root of your Obsidian vault" — retrieval/enumeration operation with no side effects or data modification.
Risk signalsBulk/mass operation — affects multiple targets · Admin/system-level operation
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Lists all files and directories in the root of your Obsidian vault. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Obsidian Modified MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Obsidian Modified MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_files_in_vault: 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 Modified. Nothing to install.
list_files_in_vault 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_in_vault 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_in_vault. 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_in_vault is provided by the Obsidian Modified MCP server (@marwansaab/obsidian-modified-mcp-server). 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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