list_wsl_distributions

THE RISK

Low Risk

Why list_wsl_distributions needs a policy

This is a simple informational query that returns metadata about WSL distributions. It has no side effects, cannot modify system state, and poses minimal risk even if misused by an AI agent. The worst outcome would be information disclosure about what distributions are installed, which is benign.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_wsl_distributions' and description 'Lists all available WSL distributions and shows which one is currently being used' indicate a read-only operation that retrieves information about installed distributions without modifying, executing, or…

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

POLICY

How to control list_wsl_distributions

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

policy.json

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

list_wsl_distributions 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 Filesystem MCP Server for WSL — 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

Related tools and policies

More Filesystem MCP Server for WSL tools

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All 14 Filesystem MCP Server for WSL tools →

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Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Data exfiltration → How read access becomes an exfiltration channel when chained with untrusted content.
MCP token cost → What connecting this server costs in context-window tokens on every request.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about list_wsl_distributions

What does the list_wsl_distributions tool do? +

Lists all available WSL distributions and shows which one is currently being used. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Filesystem MCP Server for WSL MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on list_wsl_distributions? +

Register the Filesystem MCP Server for WSL MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_wsl_distributions: 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 Filesystem MCP Server for WSL. Nothing to install.

What risk level is list_wsl_distributions? +

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

Can I rate-limit list_wsl_distributions? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the list_wsl_distributions 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 list_wsl_distributions completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for list_wsl_distributions. 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 list_wsl_distributions? +

list_wsl_distributions is provided by the Filesystem MCP Server for WSL MCP server (webconsulting/mcp-server-wsl-filesystem). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Filesystem MCP Server for WSL tool call.

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

CHECK YOUR STACK →