Get a recursive tree view of files and directories as a JSON structure.
AI agents call directory_tree to retrieve information from Server Everything without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool performs a read-only query of the file system structure, returning data about files and directories without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing anything. The output is a tree view (JSON structure) for inspection only, making it a classic Read operation with minimal security risk.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'directory_tree' and description states it will 'Get a recursive tree view' — a retrieval operation with no modification or execution.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Get a recursive tree view of files and directories as a JSON structure. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Server Everything MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Server Everything MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for directory_tree: 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 Server Everything. Nothing to install.
directory_tree 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 directory_tree 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 directory_tree. 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.
directory_tree is provided by the Server Everything MCP server (@modelcontextprotocol/server-everything). 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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