list_file_and_search_file_contents
AI agents call list_file_and_search_file_contents to retrieve information from File Search Tool without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves and queries file system data without modifying or deleting anything. While classified as Read, severity is medium rather than low because unrestricted file system access could expose sensitive data (credentials, personal information, source code) if an agent misuses regex searches across the entire file system or reads files outside intended scope.
From the tool's definition Server description states the tool enables 'file system search and inspection, including directory listing, regex-based file name and content searches, and reading text, PDF, and DOCX files.' Tool name 'list_file_and_search_file_contents' combines listing…
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
list_file_and_search_file_contents. It is categorised as a Read tool in the File Search Tool MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the File Search Tool MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_file_and_search_file_contents: 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 File Search Tool. Nothing to install.
list_file_and_search_file_contents 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_file_and_search_file_contents 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_file_and_search_file_contents. 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_file_and_search_file_contents is provided by the File Search Tool MCP server (rjtpp/mcp-server-file-search-tool). 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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