MCP Filesystem

The MCP Filesystem Server is a secure file access service based on the Model Context Protocol, strictly restricting AI models to perform filesystem operations only within preset directories.

File system Security #Filesystem #Secure Access #MCP Protocol #AI Tools Local .TypeScript

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update time : 2025-04-29

What is MCP Filesystem Server?

The MCP Filesystem Server is a secure gateway that allows AI models to safely interact with your computer's filesystem. It acts like a controlled bridge between AI applications and your files, ensuring only permitted directories can be accessed.

How does it work?

The server runs in the background and validates all file access requests. When an AI model needs to read or modify files, it goes through this server which checks if the requested path is allowed before proceeding.

When should I use it?

Ideal when you want to let AI assistants help with file management tasks while keeping sensitive areas of your computer protected. Common uses include document analysis, code editing assistance, and automated file organization.

Key Features

Protected File AccessStrict path validation prevents unauthorized access to sensitive areas of your filesystem

File OperationsSupports reading, writing, editing and moving files with proper permissions

Directory ManagementCreate, list and search directories while maintaining access control

Performance TrackingBuilt-in metrics show server activity and help monitor usage patterns

Docker SupportEasy deployment using containers for better isolation and security

Pros and Cons

Benefits

Keeps your files safe by restricting AI access to only approved folders

Lightweight and fast with minimal impact on system performance

Flexible configuration to match your specific security needs

Detailed logging helps track all file access attempts

Limitations

Requires initial setup to configure allowed directories

Currently focuses on basic file operations (advanced features coming soon)

Command-line interface may be intimidating for non-technical users

Getting Started

Install the server

Choose your preferred installation method from the options below

Configure access

Specify which folders the AI can access by creating a configuration file

Start the server

Launch the server with your configuration to begin secure file access

Connect your AI

Configure your AI application (like Claude Desktop) to use this server

Practical Examples

AI Document AssistantAllow an AI to help summarize and organize your research papers

Code Review HelperLet an AI analyze and suggest improvements for your code projects

Automated File OrganizerHave an AI automatically sort your downloads by file type

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my data safe with this server?

Can I revoke access after granting it?

What happens if the AI tries to access a restricted file?

Can multiple AI applications use the same server?

Helpful Resources

Official MCP Documentation

Learn more about the Model Context Protocol standard

GitHub Repository

Source code and issue tracker

Sample Configuration Files

Ready-to-use configuration examples

Docker Installation Guide

Instructions for installing Docker

🚀 MCP File System Server

The MCP File System Server is a powerful and secure solution for file management, offering a wide range of file and directory operations, along with features like metadata access and command execution.

🚀 Quick Start

# Installation
npm install mcp-filesystem -g

# Start the server
mcp-filesystem start --port 3000

# Create a configuration file
mcp-filesystem --create-config config.json

# Edit config.json as needed and restart the server

📦 Installation

To use the MCP File System Server, follow these steps:

1. Install Node.js and npm/yarn

Ensure that your system has Node.js (version 14 or higher) and npm or yarn installed.

2. Install the MCP File System Server

Install using npm or yarn:

npm install mcp-filesystem -g
# or
yarn global add mcp-filesystem

💻 Usage Examples

Starting the Server

Run the following command in the terminal to start the MCP File System Server:

mcp-filesystem start --port 3000

Replace 3000 with the port number you desire.

Generating a Configuration File

To create a configuration file, run the following command:

mcp-filesystem --create-config config.json

✨ Features

Core Features

File Operations: Read, write, edit, and move files.
Directory Operations: Create, list, get a tree view, and search directories.
Metadata Access: View file and directory information.
Command Execution: Securely execute system commands.
Docker Support: Facilitate deployment through Docker and Docker Compose.

New Features (v0.3.0)

Structured Logging: Detailed logs, including debug, info, warning, and error levels.
Performance Metrics: Track operation counts, errors, and execution times.
Configuration Management: Support for JSON configuration files.
Path Caching: Improve performance for frequently accessed paths.
Improved Error Handling: Dedicated error types with structured information.
File Size Validation: Prevent loading overly large files.
CLI Improvements: Help commands, version information, and configuration generation.

📚 Documentation

Configuration Options

After creating a configuration file, you can adjust it as needed. Here is an example:

{
  "allowedDirectories": ["/path/to/allowed/dir1", "/path/to/allowed/dir2"],
  "logLevel": "info",
  "logFile": "/path/to/logs/mcp-filesystem.log",
  "serverName": "secure-filesystem-server",
  "serverVersion": "0.3.0",
  "cache": {
    "enabled": true,
    "maxSize": 1000,
    "ttlMs": 60000
  },
  "metrics": {
    "enabled": true,
    "reportIntervalMs": 60000
  },
  "security": {
    "maxFileSize": 10485760,
    "allowSymlinks": true,
    "validateRealPath": true
  }
}

Security Considerations

Allowed Directories: Only add trusted paths to prevent unauthorized access.
File Size Limit: Set maxFileSize according to your needs. The default is 10MB.
Symbolic Links: Decide whether to allow symbolic links based on your security policy.