AI agents use update_cards to create or update resources in Anki MCP Server — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Anki MCP Server environment.
This tool creates or modifies data reversibly by updating card metadata (due dates, review history, intervals) in response to user actions. It does not delete data, execute arbitrary code, or create financial obligations. The incomplete description reduces confidence slightly, but the function name and context (card review workflow) clearly indicate a Write operation.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'update_cards' and description states 'After the user answers cards you' — indicating it modifies card state (e.g., review status, scheduling) based on user answers.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access update_cards gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Anki MCP Server, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for update_cards:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"update_cards": {
"limits": [
{
"counter": "update_cards_rate",
"window": "minute",
"max": 30,
"scope": "grant"
}
]
}
}
}update_cards 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.
Free to start. No card required.
After the user answers cards you. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Anki MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the Anki MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update_cards: 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 Anki MCP Server. Nothing to install.
update_cards is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_cards 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 update_cards. 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.
update_cards is provided by the Anki MCP Server MCP server (scorzeth/anki-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Deterministic rules across all 4 Anki MCP Server tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.
Free to start. No card required.
4 Anki MCP Server tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 42,500+ MCP servers.