notes_sync_incremental · Macnotes MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What notes_sync_incremental does on Macnotes

AI agents invoke notes_sync_incremental to trigger actions in Macnotes. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why notes_sync_incremental needs a policy

The tool triggers a sync operation, which is an executable action that modifies local state based on remote data synchronization. While not destructive (sync is reversible), it executes a background process/service. It falls into Execute rather than Write because the tool doesn't directly create or modify note content—it orchestrates a synchronization process.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Run incremental sync' - uses the verb 'Run' which indicates execution of an operation. The operation performs synchronization of notes data, which is a triggered external operation whose effects depend on system state.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

notes_sync_incremental Rate-limited

notes_sync_incremental stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "notes_sync_incremental": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "notes_sync_incremental_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Macnotes, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about notes_sync_incremental

What does the notes_sync_incremental tool do? +

Run incremental sync (currently same behavior as full sync). It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Macnotes MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on notes_sync_incremental? +

Register the Macnotes MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for notes_sync_incremental: 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 Macnotes. Nothing to install.

What risk level is notes_sync_incremental? +

notes_sync_incremental is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit notes_sync_incremental? +

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

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

notes_sync_incremental is provided by the Macnotes MCP server (zorrobyte/macnotes-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.