Concept-based search via Smart Connections. Finds conceptually related content using meaning/context similarity rather than keyword matching.
AI agents call semantic_search to retrieve information from Obsidian Modified without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
semantic_search is a retrieval operation that queries an index of notes based on semantic similarity. It reads and returns matching content but does not create, modify, delete, or execute any operations. The worst-case misuse would be information disclosure (reading private notes), which is a read-level concern.
From the tool's definition Tool performs 'search' and retrieves 'conceptually related content' without modifying or executing operations. The description indicates querying/finding functionality with no side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Concept-based search via Smart Connections. Finds conceptually related content using meaning/context similarity rather than keyword matching. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Obsidian Modified MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Obsidian Modified MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for semantic_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 Modified. Nothing to install.
semantic_search is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the semantic_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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for semantic_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.
semantic_search is provided by the Obsidian Modified MCP server (@marwansaab/obsidian-modified-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
Teams ship this data inside their own products. See what a licence covers →