AI agents use ppt_align_shapes to create or update resources in Ppt — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Ppt environment.
Aligning shapes modifies the visual arrangement of slide content but does not delete, execute code, or trigger external operations. It is clearly a Write operation as it updates object properties (position/alignment) reversibly. Severity is medium because misuse could corrupt presentation formatting, but changes can be undone via Undo functionality in PowerPoint. Confidence is high based on clear function semantics.
From the tool's definition The tool description states it will 'align multiple shapes on a slide,' which modifies the layout and positioning of presentation elements. This is a reversible modification operation that changes existing objects without deleting them.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access ppt_align_shapes gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Ppt, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for ppt_align_shapes:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"ppt_align_shapes": {
"limits": [
{
"counter": "ppt_align_shapes_rate",
"window": "minute",
"max": 30,
"scope": "grant"
}
]
}
}
}ppt_align_shapes 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.
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Align multiple shapes on a slide. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Ppt MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the Ppt MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for ppt_align_shapes: 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 Ppt. Nothing to install.
ppt_align_shapes is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the ppt_align_shapes 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for ppt_align_shapes. 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.
ppt_align_shapes is provided by the Ppt MCP server (ykuwai/ppt-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Deterministic rules across all 156 Ppt tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.
Free to start. No card required.
156 Ppt tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 42,500+ MCP servers.