MCP Tool: Finds all notes linking to the target note_path. Returns a JSON list of paths.
AI agents call get_backlinks to retrieve information from Obsidian MCP Tool Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool queries and retrieves backlink relationships within the Obsidian vault without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing any operations. It is a straightforward data retrieval operation that has no side effects on the vault's content or state.
From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Finds all notes linking to the target note_path. Returns a JSON list of paths.' The verb 'Finds' and return of a JSON list indicates data retrieval with no modification or side effects.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access get_backlinks gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Obsidian MCP Tool Server, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for get_backlinks:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"get_backlinks": {}
}
}get_backlinks is read-only, so it stays allowed — but everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
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MCP Tool: Finds all notes linking to the target note_path. Returns a JSON list of paths. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Obsidian MCP Tool Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Obsidian MCP Tool Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for get_backlinks: 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 Tool Server. Nothing to install.
get_backlinks 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 get_backlinks 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 get_backlinks. 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.
get_backlinks is provided by the Obsidian MCP Tool Server MCP server (rwb3n/obsidian-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Deterministic rules across all 18 Obsidian MCP Tool Server tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.
Free to start. No card required.
18 Obsidian MCP Tool Server tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 42,500+ MCP servers.