Find all notes containing a specific tag.
AI agents call search_by_tag to retrieve information from Mcp Obsidian without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool performs a search query to locate and retrieve notes based on tag criteria. It has no side effects, does not modify data, does not execute code, and does not delete or move data. It is a straightforward data retrieval operation with minimal risk if misused by an AI agent.
From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Find all notes containing a specific tag' - this is a search/query operation that retrieves data without modification.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Find all notes containing a specific tag. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Mcp Obsidian MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Mcp Obsidian MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for search_by_tag: 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 Obsidian. Nothing to install.
search_by_tag 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 search_by_tag 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 search_by_tag. 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.
search_by_tag is provided by the Mcp Obsidian MCP server (jkang8/mcp-obsidian). 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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