Add a column to a table
AI agents use numbers_add_column to create or update resources in Iwork — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Iwork environment.
The tool adds a column to an existing table, which is a reversible modification operation. This is a Write action (creates/modifies data) rather than Read (no retrieval), Execute (no arbitrary code execution), Destructive (the operation can be undone by deleting the column), or Financial.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'numbers_add_column' and description states 'Add a column to a table' — this creates new data structure within a Numbers spreadsheet.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access numbers_add_column gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Iwork, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for numbers_add_column:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"numbers_add_column": {
"limits": [
{
"counter": "numbers_add_column_rate",
"window": "minute",
"max": 30,
"scope": "grant"
}
]
}
}
}numbers_add_column 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 a column to a table. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Iwork MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the Iwork MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for numbers_add_column: 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 Iwork. Nothing to install.
numbers_add_column 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 numbers_add_column 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 numbers_add_column. 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.
numbers_add_column is provided by the Iwork MCP server (reichenbach/iwork_mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Start from Iwork, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.
Free to start. No card required.
114 Iwork tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 43,000+ MCP servers.