Return quick metadata about a file: size, total line count, last modified time, and a 5-line preview. Use this to orient yourself before deciding how to read or edit a file, avoiding unnecessary full reads. Only works within allowed directories.
AI agents call file_stats to retrieve information from FilesystemMCP without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool only retrieves metadata and a small preview of a file. It has no side effects, does not modify any data, and is explicitly described as a way to orient yourself before reading or editing. Classic read-only operation with minimal blast radius.
From the tool's definition Return quick metadata about a file: size, total line count, last modified time, and a 5-line preview
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Return quick metadata about a file: size, total line count, last modified time, and a 5-line preview. Use this to orient yourself before deciding how to read or edit a file, avoiding unnecessary full reads. Only works within allowed directories. It is categorised as a Read tool in the FilesystemMCP MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Filesystem MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for file_stats: 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 FilesystemMCP. Nothing to install.
file_stats 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 file_stats 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 file_stats. 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.
file_stats is provided by the Filesystem MCP server (rijadalisic/filesystemmcp). 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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