addBasicCard · Anki MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What addBasicCard does on Anki MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why addBasicCard needs a policy

This tool creates new data (a flashcard) within a user's Anki deck. While the operation is reversible (cards can be deleted), it modifies the user's study material. The severity is medium because misuse would add unwanted cards to a deck, cluttering the study collection, but the impact is limited to a single card and easily correctable.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Add a single basic card to a deck', which creates and modifies data in the Anki deck. The sibling tools include 'addCardsBatch', 'addClozeCard', and 'createDeck', all of which are data creation/modification operations.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

addBasicCard Rate-limited

addBasicCard 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": {
    "addBasicCard": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "addbasiccard_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 Anki MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about addBasicCard

What does the addBasicCard tool do? +

Add a single basic card to a deck. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Anki MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on addBasicCard? +

Register the Anki MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for addBasicCard: 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 Anki MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is addBasicCard? +

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

Can I rate-limit addBasicCard? +

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

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

addBasicCard is provided by the Anki MCP Server MCP server (zlatanpham/anki-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.