insert_rows · Ironcalc MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What insert_rows does on Ironcalc

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why insert_rows needs a policy

An AI agent can call insert_rows faster than any human can review — one bad instruction and it creates or modifies resources in Ironcalc by the hundred, each call as confident as the last.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

insert_rows Rate-limited

insert_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": {
    "insert_rows": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "insert_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 Ironcalc, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about insert_rows

What does the insert_rows tool do? +

Insert rows at the given position. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Ironcalc MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on insert_rows? +

Register the Ironcalc MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for insert_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 Ironcalc. Nothing to install.

What risk level is insert_rows? +

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

Can I rate-limit insert_rows? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the insert_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 insert_rows completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for insert_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 insert_rows? +

insert_rows is provided by the Ironcalc MCP server (yolonir/ironcalc-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.