List contents of a directory
AI agents call List to retrieve information from Nexus MCP for Obsidian 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 information about files and folders within a directory without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing anything. It is purely informational, matching the 'Read' category definition of data retrieval with no side effects. Low severity because directory listing poses minimal risk even if misused by an agent.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'List' with description 'List contents of a directory' indicates a directory enumeration operation with no modification or execution capabilities.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List contents of a directory. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Nexus MCP for Obsidian MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Nexus MCP for Obsidian MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for List: 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 Nexus MCP for Obsidian. Nothing to install.
List 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 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. 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 is provided by the Nexus MCP for Obsidian MCP server (profsynapse/nexus). 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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