create_list · SharePoint MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_list does on SharePoint MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_list needs a policy

This tool creates new SharePoint lists or document libraries, which are reversible schema/data creation operations. While creation is modifying SharePoint's structure, it falls under Write rather than Execute or Destructive because: (1) it explicitly creates new resources (not executing arbitrary logic), (2) the operation is reversible (lists can be deleted), and (3) it has medium severity due to potential…

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Create a new SharePoint list or document library', which is a reversible data creation operation.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_list Rate-limited

create_list 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": {
    "create_list": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_list_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 SharePoint MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_list

What does the create_list tool do? +

Create a new SharePoint list or document library with optional columns and views. It is categorised as a Write tool in the SharePoint MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on create_list? +

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

What risk level is create_list? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_list? +

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

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

create_list is provided by the SharePoint MCP Server MCP server (lukassevcik/sharepoint-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.