Add a cross-reference link from one paragraph to another.
AI agents use add_cross_reference to create or update resources in Docx — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Docx environment.
This tool creates or modifies document content (adding a cross-reference link) in a reversible manner. It does not execute code, delete data, move money, or cause destructive changes. Adding a cross-reference is a standard document editing operation with minimal blast radius—the worst case is an incorrectly placed link that can be removed or corrected.
From the tool's definition Tool name includes 'add' and description explicitly states 'Add a cross-reference link', indicating document modification. Cross-references are internal document links that can be modified or removed without irreversible data loss.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access add_cross_reference gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Docx, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for add_cross_reference:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"add_cross_reference": {
"limits": [
{
"counter": "add_cross_reference_rate",
"window": "minute",
"max": 30,
"scope": "grant"
}
]
}
}
}add_cross_reference 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 cross-reference link from one paragraph to another. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Docx MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the Docx MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_cross_reference: 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 Docx. Nothing to install.
add_cross_reference 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 add_cross_reference 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 add_cross_reference. 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.
add_cross_reference is provided by the Docx MCP server (securityronin/docx-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Start from Docx, 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.
219 Docx tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 43,000+ MCP servers.