format_cells · ContextForge MCP Gateway MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What format_cells does on ContextForge MCP Gateway

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why format_cells needs a policy

Formatting cells changes their appearance (font, color, borders, etc.) but does not alter underlying data values. This is a reversible modification, fitting the Write category. Misuse has low blast radius as no data is destroyed or exposed.

From the tool's definition 'Format cells in a worksheet' — modifies cell formatting (visual/style attributes) reversibly

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

format_cells Rate-limited

format_cells 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": {
    "format_cells": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "format_cells_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 ContextForge MCP Gateway, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about format_cells

What does the format_cells tool do? +

Format cells in a worksheet. It is categorised as a Write tool in the ContextForge MCP Gateway MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on format_cells? +

Register the ContextForge MCP Gateway MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for format_cells: 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 ContextForge MCP Gateway. Nothing to install.

What risk level is format_cells? +

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

Can I rate-limit format_cells? +

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

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

format_cells is provided by the ContextForge MCP Gateway MCP server (jrmatherly/mcp-context-forge). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.