AI agents call nrf_list to retrieve information from Nrf 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 pure read operation that retrieves information about the structure and contents of the SDK repository without modifying, executing, or deleting anything. It has minimal blast radius if misused by an AI agent.
From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'List the contents of a directory' which is a retrieval operation with no modification or execution.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List the contents of a directory in the nRF Connect SDK repo (nrfconnect/sdk-nrf @ ${REF}). Useful starting paths: -. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Nrf MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Nrf MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for nrf_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 Nrf. Nothing to install.
nrf_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 nrf_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 nrf_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.
nrf_list is provided by the Nrf MCP server (pshanesmith/nrf-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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