create_cross_sheet_reference · Smartsheet MCP Server MCP

WHAT IT DOES

What create_cross_sheet_reference does on Smartsheet MCP Server

AI agents use create_cross_sheet_reference 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 create_cross_sheet_reference needs a policy

This tool creates new cross-sheet references, which are formula constructs that establish dependencies between sheets. While reversible (can be deleted), this modifies the structure and dependencies of sheets. It is Write rather than Read (retrieves no data without side effects), Execute (doesn't run arbitrary code), or Destructive (changes are reversible).

From the tool's definition Tool creates a cross-sheet reference to use in formulas, which is a data modification operation that adds new formula references to sheets. The server description confirms it can 'create, update, and manage sheets' and 'perform bulk operations.'

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_cross_sheet_reference Rate-limited

create_cross_sheet_reference 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": {
    "create_cross_sheet_reference": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_cross_sheet_reference_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 create_cross_sheet_reference

What does the create_cross_sheet_reference tool do? +

Creates a cross-sheet reference to use in formulas like VLOOKUP, INDEX, etc. 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 create_cross_sheet_reference? +

Register the Smartsheet MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_cross_sheet_reference: 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 create_cross_sheet_reference? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_cross_sheet_reference? +

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

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

create_cross_sheet_reference 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.