AI agents call file_list to retrieve information from M365 without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
The naming convention (list) and server context strongly suggest this tool retrieves or enumerates files without modifying them. No modification, execution, deletion, or financial operations are implied. The empty description lowers confidence slightly, but the category assignment is conservative and low-risk.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'file_list' combined with sibling tools like 'calendar_check_availability' and 'calendar_create_calendar' suggests this lists files from OneDrive or file storage.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
file_list. It is categorised as a Read tool in the M365 MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the M365 MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for file_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 M365. Nothing to install.
file_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 file_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 file_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.
file_list is provided by the M365 MCP server (robin-collins/m365-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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