sort_rows · Smartsheet MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What sort_rows does on Smartsheet MCP Server

AI agents use sort_rows 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 sort_rows needs a policy

Sorting rows modifies the order/arrangement of data in a sheet, which is a reversible write operation. It does not delete data, execute code, or involve financial transactions. Misuse could disrupt data organization but data itself is not lost.

From the tool's definition 'Sorts rows in a sheet by one or more columns' — reorders existing row data within a sheet

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

sort_rows Rate-limited

sort_rows 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": {
    "sort_rows": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "sort_rows_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 sort_rows

What does the sort_rows tool do? +

Sorts rows in a sheet by one or more columns. 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 sort_rows? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit sort_rows? +

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

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

sort_rows 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.