AI agents call list_decks to retrieve information from Anki without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool queries and returns information about existing Anki decks without modifying, deleting, or executing any operations. It is a straightforward read operation with minimal security impact. The hierarchical deck names returned are informational only.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'list_decks' and description states 'List available Anki decks', which is a retrieval operation with no side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List available Anki decks using official hierarchical deck names. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Anki MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Anki MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_decks: 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. Nothing to install.
list_decks 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 list_decks 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 list_decks. 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.
list_decks is provided by the Anki MCP server (yama662607/anki-mcp). 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.
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