correlation_analysis

THE RISK

Low Risk

Why correlation_analysis needs a policy

The tool retrieves data from two numeric columns and computes a mathematical correlation coefficient. This is a read-only analytical operation with no side effects, no data modification, no code execution, and no destructive or financial impact. The computation is deterministic and reversible in nature (re-running it produces the same result).

From the tool's definition Tool is named 'correlation_analysis' and described as 'Calculate correlation between two numeric columns' — this performs statistical computation on existing data without modifying, deleting, or executing arbitrary code.

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access correlation_analysis gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control correlation_analysis

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Excel MCP Server, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for correlation_analysis:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "correlation_analysis": {}
  }
}

correlation_analysis is read-only, so it stays allowed — but everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

Create a free account and register Excel MCP Server — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

CAP THIS TOOL →

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EXPLORE

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The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
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FAQ

Questions about correlation_analysis

What does the correlation_analysis tool do? +

Calculate correlation between two numeric columns. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Excel MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on correlation_analysis? +

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

What risk level is correlation_analysis? +

correlation_analysis is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit correlation_analysis? +

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

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

correlation_analysis is provided by the Excel MCP Server MCP server (ishayoyo/excel-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Excel MCP Server tool call.

Start from Excel MCP Server, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →