insert_bibliography · Zotero Word MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What insert_bibliography does on Zotero Word

AI agents use insert_bibliography 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 insert_bibliography needs a policy

This tool creates and modifies document content by inserting bibliography fields into Word documents. This is a reversible Write operation—the inserted fields can be removed or updated. It does not execute arbitrary code, delete content irreversibly, or involve financial transactions.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'insert_bibliography' and description indicating insertion of Zotero native reference fields into Word documents.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

insert_bibliography Rate-limited

insert_bibliography 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": {
    "insert_bibliography": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "insert_bibliography_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 insert_bibliography

What does the insert_bibliography tool do? +

向 Word 文档插入 Zotero 原生参考文献字段。. 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 insert_bibliography? +

Register the Zotero Word MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for insert_bibliography: 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 insert_bibliography? +

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

Can I rate-limit insert_bibliography? +

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

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

insert_bibliography 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.