notes_move · Apple Notes MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What notes_move does on Apple Notes MCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why notes_move needs a policy

The notes_move tool modifies the state of notes by relocating them across folders and accounts. This is a Write-category operation because it alters data organization reversibly (notes can be moved back). While the tool includes a dryRun=true default for safety (lowering severity from high to medium), the actual move operation is a state-changing modification.

From the tool's definition Tool description explicitly states it can 'Move a note to another folder, including folders in another account.' Moving is a reversible modification operation that changes the organizational location of data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

notes_move Rate-limited

notes_move 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": {
    "notes_move": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "notes_move_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 Apple Notes MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about notes_move

What does the notes_move tool do? +

Move a note to another folder, including folders in another account. Defaults to dryRun=true so clients can verify the resolved note and destination before moving. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Apple Notes MCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on notes_move? +

Register the Apple Notes MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for notes_move: 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 Apple Notes MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is notes_move? +

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

Can I rate-limit notes_move? +

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

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

notes_move is provided by the Apple Notes MCP server (taylorarndt/apple-notes-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.