count_pdfs_in_directory

THE RISK

Low Risk

Why count_pdfs_in_directory needs a policy

This tool performs a simple directory scan and count, returning metadata about the number of PDF files present. It has no side effects, does not modify files, and does not execute arbitrary code. It is a read-only information retrieval operation with minimal blast radius if misused by an AI agent.

From the tool's definition Tool name and description indicate it 'Count PDF files in specified or default directory' — a query operation that retrieves information without modifying, deleting, or executing code.

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access count_pdfs_in_directory gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control count_pdfs_in_directory

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and PDF MCP Server, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for count_pdfs_in_directory:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "count_pdfs_in_directory": {}
  }
}

count_pdfs_in_directory is read-only, so it stays allowed — but everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

Create a free account and register PDF MCP Server — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

CAP THIS TOOL →

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EXPLORE

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Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
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FAQ

Questions about count_pdfs_in_directory

What does the count_pdfs_in_directory tool do? +

Count PDF files in specified or default directory. It is categorised as a Read tool in the PDF MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on count_pdfs_in_directory? +

Register the PDF MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for count_pdfs_in_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 PDF MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is count_pdfs_in_directory? +

count_pdfs_in_directory is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit count_pdfs_in_directory? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the count_pdfs_in_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.

How do I block count_pdfs_in_directory completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for count_pdfs_in_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.

What MCP server provides count_pdfs_in_directory? +

count_pdfs_in_directory is provided by the PDF MCP Server MCP server (sohaib-2/pdf-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every PDF MCP Server tool call.

Start from PDF MCP Server, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →