List files and directories within the sandbox root.
AI agents call files_list_directory to retrieve information from Promethean OS MCP 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 read-only query that retrieves information about files and directories. It has no side effects, does not execute code, does not modify or delete data, and does not involve financial operations. The blast radius of misuse is minimal—an agent could only discover what files exist in the sandbox, which is low-risk in a controlled environment.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'files_list_directory' and description 'List files and directories within the sandbox root' indicate a retrieval operation with no modification or deletion of data.
Risk signalsAdmin/system-level operation
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List files and directories within the sandbox root. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Promethean OS MCP MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Promethean OS MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for files_list_directory: 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 Promethean OS MCP. Nothing to install.
files_list_directory 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 files_list_directory 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 files_list_directory. 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.
files_list_directory is provided by the Promethean OS MCP server (octave-commons/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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