set_range_values · Excel MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What set_range_values does on Excel MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why set_range_values needs a policy

This tool modifies existing spreadsheet data reversibly by writing a 2D array to a cell range. It does not delete data (which would be Destructive), execute arbitrary code (Execute), or move money (Financial). The severity is medium because bulk range modifications could overwrite significant data if an AI agent is misdirected, but the action is reversible (undo-capable in most Excel workflows).

From the tool's definition Tool name 'set_range_values' and description indicating it 'sets data of a 2D array to a specified range' demonstrates modification of spreadsheet data without deletion.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

set_range_values Rate-limited

set_range_values 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": {
    "set_range_values": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_range_values_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

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Instant setup, no code required.

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

FAQ

Questions about set_range_values

What does the set_range_values tool do? +

指定された範囲に2次元配列のデータを設定します. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Excel MCP Server 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_range_values? +

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

What risk level is set_range_values? +

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

Can I rate-limit set_range_values? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the set_range_values 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_range_values completely? +

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

set_range_values is provided by the Excel MCP Server MCP server (superpyonchix/excel_mcp_server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.