rename_worksheet · Excel MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What rename_worksheet does on Excel

AI agents use rename_worksheet to create or update resources in Excel — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Excel environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why rename_worksheet needs a policy

Renaming a worksheet modifies file metadata but does not delete data or execute arbitrary code. It is reversible (can be renamed again), so it falls under Write rather than Destructive. The severity is medium because widespread unauthorized renaming could cause confusion and workflow disruption, but the impact is limited to metadata and easily recoverable.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'rename_worksheet' and description 'Rename a worksheet' indicate modification of worksheet metadata. This is a reversible change to Excel file structure.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

rename_worksheet Rate-limited

rename_worksheet 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": {
    "rename_worksheet": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "rename_worksheet_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

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PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Excel, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about rename_worksheet

What does the rename_worksheet tool do? +

Rename a worksheet. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Excel MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on rename_worksheet? +

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

What risk level is rename_worksheet? +

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

Can I rate-limit rename_worksheet? +

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

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

rename_worksheet is provided by the Excel MCP server (shmaxi/excel-mcp-server-node). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.