add_column · Smartsheet MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_column does on Smartsheet MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_column needs a policy

Adding a column to a sheet creates new data structure but is reversible (the column can be deleted). This is a Write operation, not Destructive. Severity is medium because modifying sheet schema could affect dependent formulas, reports, or integrations, but the change is not irreversible and does not move money or execute arbitrary code.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'add_column' and description states it 'Adds a new column to a sheet' — this is a create operation that modifies sheet structure reversibly.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_column Rate-limited

add_column 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": {
    "add_column": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_column_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

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

FAQ

Questions about add_column

What does the add_column tool do? +

Adds a new column to a sheet. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Smartsheet 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 add_column? +

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

What risk level is add_column? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_column? +

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

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

add_column is provided by the Smartsheet MCP Server MCP server (thomaswtwrt/smar-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.