convert_numbered_citations · Zotero Word MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What convert_numbered_citations does on Zotero Word

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why convert_numbered_citations needs a policy

The tool creates or modifies document citations reversibly by converting existing numbered references into Zotero native fields. This is a Write operation because it updates document structure and content without permanently deleting data—the conversions can be undone or the original document restored.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it performs 'batch replacement' (批量替换) of numbered citations [1], [1, 2], [1-3] into native Zotero fields. This modifies document content through systematic conversion rather than deletion.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

convert_numbered_citations Rate-limited

convert_numbered_citations 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": {
    "convert_numbered_citations": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "convert_numbered_citations_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 Zotero Word, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about convert_numbered_citations

What does the convert_numbered_citations tool do? +

将 [1]、[1, 2]、[1-3] 这类数字引用批量替换成 Zotero 原生字段。. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Zotero Word MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on convert_numbered_citations? +

Register the Zotero Word MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for convert_numbered_citations: 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 Zotero Word. Nothing to install.

What risk level is convert_numbered_citations? +

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

Can I rate-limit convert_numbered_citations? +

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

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

convert_numbered_citations is provided by the Zotero Word MCP server (zhangchaokai1/zotero-word-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.