List contents of a directory.
AI agents call list_directory to retrieve information from FastMCP Multi-Tool Server 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 directory contents without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing any operations. It is a read-only operation that returns information about files and subdirectories, fitting squarely within the Read category. Severity is low because listing directory contents has minimal security impact unless the system exposes sensitive file paths that shouldn't be disclosed.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_directory' and description 'List contents of a directory' indicate retrieval of directory information with no modification or execution capabilities.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List contents of a directory. It is categorised as a Read tool in the FastMCP Multi-Tool Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the FastMCP Multi-Tool Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_directory: 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 FastMCP Multi-Tool Server. Nothing to install.
list_directory 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_directory 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_directory. 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_directory is provided by the FastMCP Multi-Tool Server MCP server (rt0120-ramco/mcp-py). 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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