List contents of a directory
AI agents call list_directory to retrieve information from MCP Container Tools without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves information (directory listing) with no side effects, reversibility requirements, or ability to modify data, execute code, or move money. It is a straightforward read operation on the filesystem.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_directory' and description 'List contents of a directory' indicate a read-only query operation that retrieves directory contents without modifying or executing anything.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List contents of a directory. It is categorised as a Read tool in the MCP Container Tools MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the MCP Container Tools 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 MCP Container Tools. 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 MCP Container Tools MCP server (simseksem/mcp-container-tools). 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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