Generate a plain text tree structure of a directory.
AI agents call directory_tree to retrieve information from Filesystem MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool queries and retrieves directory structure information in a read-only manner. It has no side effects—it does not create, modify, delete, or execute any operations. The blast radius of misuse is minimal: an attacker could enumerate directory contents within the sandboxed scope, but cannot alter or access file contents beyond what the directory tree reveals. Classified as Read with low severity.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'directory_tree' and description 'Generate a plain text tree structure of a directory' indicate retrieval of directory metadata without modification.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Generate a plain text tree structure of a directory. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Filesystem MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Filesystem MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for directory_tree: 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 Filesystem MCP Server. Nothing to install.
directory_tree 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 directory_tree 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 directory_tree. 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.
directory_tree is provided by the Filesystem MCP Server MCP server (preston-harrison/fs-mcp-py). 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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