manage_retention_policies

WHAT IT DOES

What manage_retention_policies does on Microsoft 365 Core MCP Server

AI agents use manage_retention_policies to create or update resources in Microsoft 365 Core MCP Server — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Microsoft 365 Core MCP Server environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why manage_retention_policies needs a policy

This tool modifies organizational policies that govern data retention and deletion lifecycles. While not immediately destructive (policies don't execute deletions themselves, but configure when deletions occur), it creates/updates reversible policy configurations.

From the tool's definition Tool manages retention policies with 'lifecycle rules' across multiple Microsoft 365 services (Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams).

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

manage_retention_policies Rate-limited

manage_retention_policies 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": {
    "manage_retention_policies": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "manage_retention_policies_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 Microsoft 365 Core MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about manage_retention_policies

What does the manage_retention_policies tool do? +

Manage retention policies for content across Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams with lifecycle rules. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Microsoft 365 Core 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 manage_retention_policies? +

Register the Microsoft 365 Core MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for manage_retention_policies: 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 Microsoft 365 Core MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is manage_retention_policies? +

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

Can I rate-limit manage_retention_policies? +

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

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

manage_retention_policies is provided by the Microsoft 365 Core MCP Server MCP server (roycedamien/m365-core-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.