extract_todos · Obsidian Diary MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What extract_todos does on Obsidian Diary MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why extract_todos needs a policy

This tool reads a diary entry to extract todos, then writes/saves the extracted items to a planner file. The dominant action is creating or modifying a planner file, which is a reversible write operation. Misuse could create unwanted files or overwrite planner content, but the blast radius is limited to the local Obsidian vault.

From the tool's definition Extract action items and todos from a diary entry and save them to a planner file

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

extract_todos Rate-limited

extract_todos 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": {
    "extract_todos": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "extract_todos_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 Obsidian Diary MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about extract_todos

What does the extract_todos tool do? +

Extract action items and todos from a diary entry and save them to a planner file. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Obsidian Diary 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 extract_todos? +

Register the Obsidian Diary MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for extract_todos: 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 Obsidian Diary MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is extract_todos? +

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

Can I rate-limit extract_todos? +

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

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

extract_todos is provided by the Obsidian Diary MCP Server MCP server (madebygps/obsidian-diary-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.