AI agents call list_local_files to retrieve information from Memory without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
File listing is a Read operation—it retrieves directory contents with no side effects. Although the tool description is absent, the naming convention and context of other non-destructive tools on this memory/indexing server strongly indicate a query-only function.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_local_files' indicates file enumeration/listing; server is described as 'exposes personal notes and files as unified semantic context' suggesting read-only access patterns.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
list_local_files. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Memory MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Memory MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_local_files: 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 Memory. Nothing to install.
list_local_files 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_local_files 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_local_files. 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_local_files is provided by the Memory MCP server (shaktisinhchavda/memory-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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