List files and directories in a path. Only works within allowed paths.
AI agents call list_directory to retrieve information from Multi-Tool MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves directory contents without creating, modifying, or deleting any data. It is a non-destructive query operation that only reads filesystem metadata. The 'low' severity reflects that directory listing alone poses minimal risk; blast radius depends entirely on what paths are allowed and what sensitive information might be exposed through directory names/structures.
From the tool's definition Tool description states 'List files and directories in a path' - this is a retrieval operation with no modification or side effects. The restriction to 'allowed paths' indicates path-based access control.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List files and directories in a path. Only works within allowed paths. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Multi-Tool MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Multi-Tool MCP 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 Multi-Tool MCP 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 Multi-Tool MCP Server MCP server (shawn-falconbury/mcp-server). 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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