Apply list formatting to paragraphs (bullet or numbered).
AI agents use add_list 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 formatting by applying list styles to paragraphs. It is a Write operation because it reversibly changes document content/structure. Severity is low because list formatting changes are easily undone, have no external side effects, and pose minimal risk even if misapplied by an agent. The operation is non-destructive and localized to formatting metadata.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'add_list' and description 'Apply list formatting to paragraphs' indicates modification of document structure through formatting application.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access add_list 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_list:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"add_list": {
"limits": [
{
"counter": "add_list_rate",
"window": "minute",
"max": 30,
"scope": "grant"
}
]
}
}
}add_list 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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Apply list formatting to paragraphs (bullet or numbered). 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_list: 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_list 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_list 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_list. 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_list 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.
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219 Docx tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 43,000+ MCP servers.