add_card · Anki MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_card does on Anki MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_card needs a policy

The tool creates new flashcard entries in Anki, which is a Write operation (creates/modifies data reversibly). It does not execute arbitrary code, delete data, or involve financial transactions. Severity is low because misuse would only result in unwanted flashcards that can be easily deleted, with no destructive impact on the user's data.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Create a new flashcard in Anki', which is a create operation that adds reversible data to the user's flashcard collection.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_card Rate-limited

add_card 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": {
    "add_card": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_card_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 Anki MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_card

What does the add_card tool do? +

Create a new flashcard in Anki. Requires: deckName (exact deck name), modelName (note type like. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Anki MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on add_card? +

Register the Anki MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_card: 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 Anki MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is add_card? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_card? +

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

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

add_card is provided by the Anki MCP Server MCP server (letuanvu08/anki-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.