excel_create_named_range · Excel Finance MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What excel_create_named_range does on Excel Finance MCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why excel_create_named_range needs a policy

Creating a named range in Excel is a reversible write operation that modifies workbook structure and metadata without deleting data, executing code, or moving funds. It has minimal blast radius—misuse would at worst create unnecessary named ranges that can be deleted. This is clearly Write category, not Execute (no arbitrary computation), not Destructive (reversible), and not Financial (no monetary impact).

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'excel_create_named_range' and description states 'Create a named range in the workbook'. The verb 'Create' indicates data modification.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

excel_create_named_range Rate-limited

excel_create_named_range 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": {
    "excel_create_named_range": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "excel_create_named_range_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

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

FAQ

Questions about excel_create_named_range

What does the excel_create_named_range tool do? +

Create a named range in the workbook. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Excel Finance MCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on excel_create_named_range? +

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

What risk level is excel_create_named_range? +

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

Can I rate-limit excel_create_named_range? +

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

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

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