zk_create_note · Zettelkasten MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What zk_create_note does on Zettelkasten

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why zk_create_note needs a policy

This tool creates new data entries (notes) in the Zettelkasten system. Creation of data is a Write operation—reversible and non-destructive. The severity is medium because a compromised agent could flood the system with spam notes or pollute the knowledge base, but the operation can be undone by using the sibling zk_delete_note tool.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'zk_create_note' indicates creation of new notes in the Zettelkasten system. The server description states it allows you to 'create, link, explore and synthesize atomic notes'. Tool creates reversible changes to the knowledge base.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

zk_create_note Rate-limited

zk_create_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": {
    "zk_create_note": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "zk_create_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 Zettelkasten, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about zk_create_note

What does the zk_create_note tool do? +

zk_create_note. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Zettelkasten MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on zk_create_note? +

Register the Zettelkasten MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for zk_create_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 Zettelkasten. Nothing to install.

What risk level is zk_create_note? +

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

Can I rate-limit zk_create_note? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the zk_create_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 zk_create_note completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for zk_create_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 zk_create_note? +

zk_create_note is provided by the Zettelkasten MCP server (entanglr/zettelkasten-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.