write_note · Mcp Obsidian MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What write_note does on Mcp Obsidian

AI agents use write_note to create or update resources in Mcp Obsidian — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Mcp Obsidian environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why write_note needs a policy

This tool creates new notes or overwrites existing ones, which is a write operation. It is not destructive because overwrites can be undone (Obsidian maintains history/backups), and the action is reversible through subsequent writes. The severity is medium because an AI agent could overwrite important notes, but the effect is limited to a single vault and is recoverable.

From the tool's definition The tool name is 'write_note' and description states it can 'Create or overwrite a note in the vault.' This is reversible modification of data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

write_note Rate-limited

write_note stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "write_note": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "write_note_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Mcp Obsidian, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about write_note

What does the write_note tool do? +

Create or overwrite a note in the vault. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Mcp Obsidian MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on write_note? +

Register the Mcp Obsidian MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for write_note: 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.

What risk level is write_note? +

write_note is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit write_note? +

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

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

write_note 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.