replace_text · Mcp Google Sheets MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What replace_text does on Mcp Google Sheets

AI agents use replace_text 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 replace_text needs a policy

Replace_text modifies existing cell content reversibly, fitting Write category. Severity is high because uncontrolled text replacement across a spreadsheet could corrupt significant data, especially if applied to wrong ranges or with incorrect patterns. Not Destructive since replacement is reversible (undo possible). Confidence reduced to 0.85 due to empty tool description, but sibling context is clear.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'replace_text' combined with sibling tools (add_columns, add_rows, batch_update, batch_update_cells, format_range) that modify spreadsheet data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

replace_text Rate-limited

replace_text 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": {
    "replace_text": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "replace_text_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 replace_text

What does the replace_text tool do? +

replace_text. 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 replace_text? +

Register the Mcp Google Sheets MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for replace_text: 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 replace_text? +

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

Can I rate-limit replace_text? +

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

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

replace_text 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.