Read cell values from a specific range in a Google Spreadsheet. Args: - spreadsheet_id (string): The ID of the Google Spreadsheet - range (string): The A1 notation range to read (e.g.,
AI agents call sheets_get_values to retrieve information from Google Workspace without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves data from a spreadsheet without modifying, deleting, or executing any operations. It is a straightforward query function that fits the Read category. Severity is low because unauthorized access to spreadsheet data, while a concern, has limited blast radius compared to write, execute, or destructive operations.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'sheets_get_values' and description 'Read cell values from a specific range in a Google Spreadsheet' explicitly indicate a read-only operation with no side effects.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access sheets_get_values gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Google Workspace, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for sheets_get_values:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"sheets_get_values": {}
}
}sheets_get_values is read-only, so it stays allowed — but everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
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Read cell values from a specific range in a Google Spreadsheet. Args: - spreadsheet_id (string): The ID of the Google Spreadsheet - range (string): The A1 notation range to read (e.g.,. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Google Workspace MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Google Workspace MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for sheets_get_values: 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 Google Workspace. Nothing to install.
sheets_get_values is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the sheets_get_values 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 sheets_get_values. 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.
sheets_get_values is provided by the Google Workspace MCP server (everyinc/google-workspace-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Start from Google Workspace, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.
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34 Google Workspace tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 43,000+ MCP servers.