notes_update · Macnotes MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What notes_update does on Macnotes

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why notes_update needs a policy

This tool modifies existing notes (title and/or body content) but does not delete or irreversibly destroy data. The 'queued background write' design suggests the operation is reversible—users can update again to correct mistakes. It affects only the user's own notes data without financial implications or code execution, placing it in the Write category.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'notes_update' and description stating it 'Update note title/body (queued background write by default)' explicitly indicates modification of existing data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

notes_update Rate-limited

notes_update 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": {
    "notes_update": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "notes_update_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 Macnotes, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about notes_update

What does the notes_update tool do? +

Update note title/body (queued background write by default). It is categorised as a Write tool in the Macnotes MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on notes_update? +

Register the Macnotes MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for notes_update: 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_update? +

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

Can I rate-limit notes_update? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the notes_update 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_update completely? +

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

notes_update 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.