Reads data from a specific range in an Excel-format file (.xlsx or .xls) on Google Drive. Similar to readSpreadsheet but for files that need to stay in Excel format.
AI agents call readExcelFile to retrieve information from Google Workspace MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves/queries data from a spreadsheet file without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing any operations. It is a simple data retrieval function with no capability to alter state or trigger external actions. The low severity reflects minimal blast radius — an AI agent using this tool can only read existing data, not cause harm through misuse.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'readExcelFile' and description explicitly states 'Reads data from a specific range in an Excel-format file (.xlsx or .xls) on Google Drive' — a read-only operation with no side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Reads data from a specific range in an Excel-format file (.xlsx or .xls) on Google Drive. Similar to readSpreadsheet but for files that need to stay in Excel format. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Google Workspace MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Google Workspace MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for readExcelFile: 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 MCP Server. Nothing to install.
readExcelFile 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 readExcelFile 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 readExcelFile. 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.
readExcelFile is provided by the Google Workspace MCP Server MCP server (pm990320/google-workspace-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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