obsidian_open_files

THE RISK

High Risk

Why obsidian_open_files needs a policy

This tool triggers an external UI operation in Obsidian (opening files in a new leaf/pane), which is an action that affects the application state rather than simply reading or writing data. It executes a command in the Obsidian interface. The blast radius is low since it only opens files for viewing and doesn't modify or delete any data.

From the tool's definition Open one or more files in the vault in a new leaf

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

POLICY

How to control obsidian_open_files

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

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "obsidian_open_files": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "obsidian_open_files_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

obsidian_open_files stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

Create a free account and register Advanced 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.

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

More Advanced Obsidian MCP Server tools

Destructive obsidian_delete_file Delete a file or directory from your vault Execute obsidian_execute_commands Execute one or more commands in obsidian interface Write obsidian_append_to_file Append content to a new or existing file in the vault Write obsidian_patch_file Insert content into an existing note relative to a heading, block reference, or frontmatte Write obsidian_put_file Create a new file in your vault or update the content of an existing one Read obsidian_batch_get_files Return the contents and metadata of one or more notes (.md files) in your vault Read obsidian_complex_search Complex search for documents using a JsonLogic query with support for 'glob' and 'regexp' Read obsidian_get_active_note Get the content and metadata of the currently active note in Obsidian

All 16 Advanced Obsidian MCP Server tools →

Execute tools on other servers

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Go deeper

High-risk tools in Advanced Obsidian MCP Server → Every high-risk tool this server exposes, in one view.
All high-risk MCP tools → Every high-risk tool across the catalogue, and the policy pattern that contains them.
The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Agent sandbox → Bounding what an agent can execute and where the boundary should sit.
Least privilege for MCP → Granting agents the minimum tool surface the task needs.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about obsidian_open_files

What does the obsidian_open_files tool do? +

Open one or more files in the vault in a new leaf. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Advanced Obsidian MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on obsidian_open_files? +

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

What risk level is obsidian_open_files? +

obsidian_open_files is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit obsidian_open_files? +

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

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

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

Enforce policy on every Advanced Obsidian MCP Server tool call.

Start from Advanced 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 →