AI agents call sp_search to retrieve information from M365 without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves and queries data (file metadata and IDs) across a broad scope (all SharePoint sites and OneDrive) without modifying, deleting, or executing anything. It is a Read operation.
From the tool's definition Tool is named sp_search and described as 'Search for files across ALL SharePoint sites and OneDrive. Returns file metadata and IDs, but NOT file content.' The explicit statement that it returns metadata and IDs without content confirms read-only retrieval…
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Search for files across ALL SharePoint sites and OneDrive. Returns file metadata and IDs, but NOT file content. It is categorised as a Read tool in the M365 MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the M365 MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for sp_search: 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 M365. Nothing to install.
sp_search is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the sp_search 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 sp_search. 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.
sp_search is provided by the M365 MCP server (swamirama/m365-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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