Medium Risk

set_table_style

Apply a named table style (e.g. TableGrid, LightShading-Accent1) to a table.

How to control set_table_style ↓

What set_table_style does on Docx

AI agents use set_table_style 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.

Medium Risk

Why set_table_style needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies document data reversibly—applying a table style changes the table's appearance and structure properties but does not delete content or execute arbitrary code. The modification is reversible (a different style can be applied). While it affects document structure, it is not destructive (no deletion), not execute-level (no code execution), and not financial.

From the tool's definition The tool 'set_table_style' modifies a table's formatting by applying a named style. The description explicitly states it will 'Apply a named table style' to a table, which is a reversible modification to document content.

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access set_table_style gives an agent:

How to control set_table_style

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 set_table_style:

policy.json
{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "set_table_style": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_table_style_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

set_table_style 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.

  1. Create a free account and register Docx — nothing to install.
  2. Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
  3. Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.
LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

Related tools and policies

Go deeper

Questions about set_table_style

What does the set_table_style tool do? +

Apply a named table style (e.g. TableGrid, LightShading-Accent1) to a table. 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.

How do I enforce a policy on set_table_style? +

Register the Docx MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for set_table_style: 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.

What risk level is set_table_style? +

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

Can I rate-limit set_table_style? +

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

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

set_table_style 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.

Enforce policy on every Docx tool call.

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.

// GET IN TOUCH

Have a question or want to learn more? Send us a message.

Message sent.

We'll get back to you soon.