Returns the list of directories that this server is allowed to access. Subdirectories within these allowed directories are also accessible. Use this to understand which directories and their nested paths are available before trying to access files.
AI agents call list_allowed_directories 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 merely retrieves metadata about which directories are accessible within the server's configuration. It is informational only, enabling users to understand the bounds of filesystem access before attempting file operations. There is no risk of data loss, code execution, or unintended modifications. The low severity reflects that misuse (e.g., an agent querying this list) poses minimal harm.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_allowed_directories' and description states it 'Returns the list of directories' — a pure query operation with no side effects. No modification, execution, or deletion occurs.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Returns the list of directories that this server is allowed to access. Subdirectories within these allowed directories are also accessible. Use this to understand which directories and their nested paths are available before trying to access files. 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 list_allowed_directories: 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.
list_allowed_directories 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_allowed_directories 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_allowed_directories. 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_allowed_directories 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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