list_dir
AI agents call list_dir to retrieve information from Mcp File Lens without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
list_dir retrieves and queries directory contents without modifying, executing, or deleting anything. It is a foundational read operation for code navigation. The low severity reflects that directory listing has minimal blast radius even if misused by an AI agent (e.g., it cannot execute code or delete files).
From the tool's definition Tool named 'list_dir' is a sibling of read_file, read_file_grep, and read_file_range on a server described as providing 'directory listing, file reading, and grep-like search' with 'secure, gitignore-aware file access'.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
list_dir. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Mcp File Lens MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Mcp File Lens MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_dir: 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 File Lens. Nothing to install.
list_dir 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_dir 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_dir. 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_dir is provided by the Mcp File Lens MCP server (solatis/mcp-file-lens). 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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