obsidian_list_files_in_vault
AI agents call obsidian_list_files_in_vault to retrieve information from Obsidian MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
File listing operations are inherently read-only queries that retrieve information about vault contents without side effects. The absence of description is mitigated by the clear naming convention and the presence of similar read-only sibling tools. Low severity due to minimal blast radius—enumeration alone cannot corrupt or delete data.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'obsidian_list_files_in_vault' indicates a file listing operation. Sibling tools include 'obsidian_list_files_in_dir' and other read operations like 'obsidian_get_file_contents', 'obsidian_get_notes_info', and 'obsidian_complex_search', establishing…
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
obsidian_list_files_in_vault. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Obsidian MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Obsidian MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for obsidian_list_files_in_vault: 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 Obsidian MCP Server. Nothing to install.
obsidian_list_files_in_vault 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 obsidian_list_files_in_vault 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 obsidian_list_files_in_vault. 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.
obsidian_list_files_in_vault is provided by the Obsidian MCP Server MCP server (shepherd-creative/obsidian-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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