add_rows · Mcp Google Sheets MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_rows does on Mcp Google Sheets

AI agents use add_rows to create or update resources in Mcp Google Sheets — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Mcp Google Sheets environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_rows needs a policy

add_rows creates or modifies spreadsheet data by inserting new rows. This is a Write operation (reversible modification), not Execute, Destructive, or Financial. Severity is medium because unintended row additions could corrupt data structure or cause confusion, but the impact is limited to a single sheet and reversible.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'add_rows' on a Google Sheets server that 'Bridges AI assistants with Google Sheets for reading, writing, and managing spreadsheet data.' The context establishes this server handles spreadsheet mutations including 'create_sheet', 'batch_update',…

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_rows Rate-limited

add_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": {
    "add_rows": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_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 Mcp Google Sheets, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_rows

What does the add_rows tool do? +

add_rows. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Mcp Google Sheets 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_rows? +

Register the Mcp Google Sheets MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_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 Mcp Google Sheets. Nothing to install.

What risk level is add_rows? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_rows? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the add_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 add_rows completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for add_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 add_rows? +

add_rows is provided by the Mcp Google Sheets MCP server (yardobr/mcp-google-sheets). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.