AI agents call list_files_on_matter to retrieve information from Smokeball without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool queries and returns a list of files associated with a matter. It performs no modifications, deletions, or external operations. The action is purely informational retrieval, fitting the Read category. Severity is low because listing files poses minimal risk—an agent cannot cause harm by viewing a file inventory, though access to file metadata in a law firm context warrants basic caution.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_files_on_matter' and description 'List files attached to a matter' indicate a retrieval operation with no side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List files attached to a matter. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Smokeball MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Smokeball MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_files_on_matter: 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 Smokeball. Nothing to install.
list_files_on_matter 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_files_on_matter 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_files_on_matter. 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_files_on_matter is provided by the Smokeball MCP server (rosenadvertising/smokeball-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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