AI agents use add_shape to create or update resources in Powerpoint — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Powerpoint environment.
This tool creates new shape objects in a PowerPoint presentation, which is a reversible write operation. It modifies the presentation by adding content but does not delete, execute code, or cause financial impact. Severity is medium because misuse could bloat or deface a presentation, but changes are easily undone.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'add_shape' in a PowerPoint editing context. Sibling tools include 'add_chart', 'add_image', 'add_table', 'add_textbox', all of which create/add content to presentations. Description is empty, reducing confidence slightly.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access add_shape gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Powerpoint, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for add_shape:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"add_shape": {
"limits": [
{
"counter": "add_shape_rate",
"window": "minute",
"max": 30,
"scope": "grant"
}
]
}
}
}add_shape 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.
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add_shape. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Powerpoint MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the Powerpoint MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_shape: 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 Powerpoint. Nothing to install.
add_shape is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the add_shape 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for add_shape. 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.
add_shape is provided by the Powerpoint MCP server (juanocampo400/powerpoint-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Start from Powerpoint, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.
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17 Powerpoint tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 43,000+ MCP servers.