simple_vector_search

THE RISK

Low Risk

Why simple_vector_search needs a policy

This is a semantic search tool that queries indexed vault content and returns results. It performs information retrieval without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing any operations. The tool is read-only in nature with minimal blast radius—misuse would only expose unintended search results from existing vault data, not compromise data integrity or enable unauthorized actions.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Searches your Obsidian Vault notes' and 'Returns matching note snippets.' The verb 'searches' and 'returns' indicate read-only retrieval of data with no modification or side effects.

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access simple_vector_search gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control simple_vector_search

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Obsidian MCP Server, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for simple_vector_search:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "simple_vector_search": {}
  }
}

simple_vector_search is read-only, so it stays allowed — but everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

Create a free account and register Obsidian MCP Server — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

CAP THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

More Obsidian MCP Server tools

Destructive delete_file Deletes a file within your Obsidian Vault. Provide the Destructive delete_folder Deletes a folder within your Obsidian Vault. Provide the Write create_file Creates a new file with the specified content at the given path within your Obsidian Vault Write create_folder Creates a folder within your Obsidian Vault. Provide the Write create_link Creates an Obsidian wikilink from one note to another (e.g., Write edit_file Edits a specific range of lines within a file in your Obsidian Vault. Replaces the content Read count_entries Counts the number of indexed notes and chunks in your Obsidian Vault Read list_files Lists files and sub-folders within a specified directory of your Obsidian Vault. Use

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Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Data exfiltration → How read access becomes an exfiltration channel when chained with untrusted content.
MCP token cost → What connecting this server costs in context-window tokens on every request.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about simple_vector_search

What does the simple_vector_search tool do? +

Searches your Obsidian Vault notes (indexed in Orama) for content semantically similar to your query. Returns matching note snippets. If results aren. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Obsidian MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on simple_vector_search? +

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

What risk level is simple_vector_search? +

simple_vector_search is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit simple_vector_search? +

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

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

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

Enforce policy on every Obsidian MCP Server tool call.

Start from Obsidian MCP Server, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →