List all files in a given directory on an Android device using its serial number.
AI agents call list_files to retrieve information from Android Device without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves and displays file system information from an Android device without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing anything. It is a straightforward read operation analogous to 'ls' or 'dir'. Even though the tool operates on an Android device via ADB, the action itself is non-destructive and non-consequential — it only enumerates directory contents.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'list_files' and description states it will 'List all files in a given directory' — a pure query operation with no modification, deletion, or execution of code.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List all files in a given directory on an Android device using its serial number. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Android Device MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Android Device MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_files: 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 Android Device. Nothing to install.
list_files 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 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. 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 is provided by the Android Device MCP server (prashant1507/android-device-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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