combined_analysis · Oletools MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What combined_analysis does on Oletools

AI agents invoke combined_analysis to trigger actions in Oletools. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why combined_analysis needs a policy

This tool executes code analysis routines on untrusted document content. While the purpose is defensive (malware detection), the tool interprets and analyzes VBA/XLM macros and DDE links which requires executing or simulating code execution paths. This is an Execute category action, not Read, because it goes beyond passive querying—it processes and analyzes code behavior.

From the tool's definition The tool performs 'comprehensive analysis' including VBA macro execution analysis, XLM macro detection, DDE link checking, and OLE object extraction.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

combined_analysis Rate-limited

combined_analysis stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "combined_analysis": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "combined_analysis_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Oletools, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about combined_analysis

What does the combined_analysis tool do? +

Run comprehensive analysis (VBA, XLM, DDE, OLE), extract IOCs, return structured results. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Oletools MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on combined_analysis? +

Register the Oletools MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for combined_analysis: 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 Oletools. Nothing to install.

What risk level is combined_analysis? +

combined_analysis is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit combined_analysis? +

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

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

combined_analysis is provided by the Oletools MCP server (pradeep895/oletools-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.