excel_run_formula

Write a formula to a specific cell and return the computed result. The formula is written, the cell is read back to get the calculated value.

SERVERSage MCP SOURCEsagemcp/sagemcp

High RISK CLASS

Category Execute

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Rate-limitedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/sagemcp-sagemcp/excel-run-formula.md

WHAT IT DOES

What excel_run_formula does on Sage MCP

AI agents invoke excel_run_formula to trigger actions in Sage MCP. 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.

RISK

Why excel_run_formula is rated High

While the tool performs a write operation (placing a formula in a cell), the primary and consequential action is execution of arbitrary formulas, which can have side effects depending on formula content (e.g., triggering external data pulls, macro-like behaviors, or cell reference chains with unintended consequences).

From the tool's definition Tool writes a formula to a cell ('Write a formula to a specific cell') and executes it to retrieve a computed result. The formula execution capability constitutes code execution within a spreadsheet context.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs excel_run_formula safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Sage MCP, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For excel_run_formula, this is the rule to start with:

excel_run_formula Rate-limited

excel_run_formula 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": {
    "excel_run_formula": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "excel_run_formula_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Sage MCP, apply this rule, and every excel_run_formula call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about excel_run_formula

What does the excel_run_formula tool do? +

Write a formula to a specific cell and return the computed result. The formula is written, the cell is read back to get the calculated value. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Sage MCP MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on excel_run_formula? +

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

What risk level is excel_run_formula? +

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

Can I rate-limit excel_run_formula? +

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

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

excel_run_formula is provided by the Sage MCP server (sagemcp/sagemcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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