Lists directory contents
AI agents call fs_list to retrieve information from Mcp Ssh Tool without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This is a straightforward directory listing operation with no side effects. It queries the filesystem to retrieve metadata about files and directories, which is characteristic of the Read category. The low severity reflects that directory listing alone poses minimal risk—the tool cannot modify data, execute commands, or cause destructive changes.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'fs_list' and description 'Lists directory contents' indicate a read-only operation that retrieves directory information without modifying or deleting anything.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Lists directory contents. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Mcp Ssh Tool MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Mcp Ssh Tool MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for fs_list: 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 Ssh Tool. Nothing to install.
fs_list 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 fs_list 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 fs_list. 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.
fs_list is provided by the Mcp Ssh Tool MCP server (skot/mcp-ssh-tool). 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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