insert_after · Obsidian Local MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What insert_after does on Obsidian Local

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why insert_after needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies data reversibly by inserting content into an existing note. The insertion does not delete or overwrite existing content, making it Write rather than Destructive.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Insert content after a matched string in a note' - directly modifies note content.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

insert_after Rate-limited

insert_after 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": {
    "insert_after": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "insert_after_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 Local, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about insert_after

What does the insert_after tool do? +

Insert content after a matched string in a note without replacing it. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Obsidian Local MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on insert_after? +

Register the Obsidian Local MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for insert_after: 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 Local. Nothing to install.

What risk level is insert_after? +

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

Can I rate-limit insert_after? +

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

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

insert_after is provided by the Obsidian Local MCP server (matthewsuazo/obsidian-local-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.