list_functions

THE RISK

Low Risk

Why list_functions needs a policy

This tool queries and returns information about code structure (function definitions) without modifying, executing, or deleting any data. It is purely informational and safe to use.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'list_functions' and description states it 'List all functions in a code file.' This is a retrieval operation with no side effects.

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access list_functions gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control list_functions

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and MCP File Edit, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for list_functions:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "list_functions": {}
  }
}

list_functions is read-only, so it stays allowed — but everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

Create a free account and register MCP File Edit — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

CAP THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

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Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Data exfiltration → How read access becomes an exfiltration channel when chained with untrusted content.
MCP token cost → What connecting this server costs in context-window tokens on every request.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about list_functions

What does the list_functions tool do? +

List all functions in a code file. It is categorised as a Read tool in the MCP File Edit MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on list_functions? +

Register the MCP File Edit MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_functions: 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 Edit. Nothing to install.

What risk level is list_functions? +

list_functions is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit list_functions? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the list_functions 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.

How do I block list_functions completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for list_functions. 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.

What MCP server provides list_functions? +

list_functions is provided by the MCP File Edit MCP server (patrickomatik/mcp-file-edit). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every MCP File Edit tool call.

Start from MCP File Edit, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →