AI agents call get_outline to retrieve information from Obsidian without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves structural information from a note without side effects, altering data, executing code, or triggering external operations. It is purely a read/query operation with minimal security risk.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'get_outline' and description 'Return the heading structure of a note' indicate data retrieval only. The phrase 'heading structure...level + text + line number' confirms it queries and returns metadata about note contents without modifying anything.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Return the heading structure of a note (level + text + line number). Use this instead of. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Obsidian MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Obsidian MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for get_outline: 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. Nothing to install.
get_outline 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_outline 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_outline. 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_outline is provided by the Obsidian MCP server (yanxue06/obsidian-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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