obsidian_move_note · Obsidian MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What obsidian_move_note does on Obsidian

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why obsidian_move_note needs a policy

The tool performs a write operation that modifies note locations and updates cross-references throughout the vault. While technically reversible (the original note path/name can be restored), moving notes affects vault structure and potentially breaks external references if not handled carefully. It is not Destructive because the data remains recoverable and the operation can be undone.

From the tool's definition Tool moves or renames a note and updates Wikilinks across the vault. These are reversible modifications to data structure and references.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

obsidian_move_note Rate-limited

obsidian_move_note 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": {
    "obsidian_move_note": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "obsidian_move_note_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 Obsidian, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about obsidian_move_note

What does the obsidian_move_note tool do? +

Moves or renames a note. Wikilinks across the vault are updated automatically. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Obsidian MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on obsidian_move_note? +

Register the Obsidian MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for obsidian_move_note: 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.

What risk level is obsidian_move_note? +

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

Can I rate-limit obsidian_move_note? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the obsidian_move_note 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_move_note completely? +

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

obsidian_move_note is provided by the Obsidian MCP server (yuchi-chang/obsidian-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.