add_doc_tab · Google MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_doc_tab does on Google

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_doc_tab needs a policy

Adding a tab modifies document structure but does not delete or irreversibly destroy data, nor does it execute arbitrary code or move money. It is a creation/modification action (Write category). Severity is medium because an agent could spam tabs or clutter a document, but the change is easily undone and does not affect data integrity or permanence.

From the tool's definition "Add a new tab to a Google Doc" — the tool creates a new tab, which is a structural modification to the document that is reversible (the tab can be deleted).

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_doc_tab Rate-limited

add_doc_tab 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_doc_tab": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_doc_tab_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 Google, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_doc_tab

What does the add_doc_tab tool do? +

Add a new tab to a Google Doc. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Google 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_doc_tab? +

Register the Google MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_doc_tab: 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 Google. Nothing to install.

What risk level is add_doc_tab? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_doc_tab? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the add_doc_tab 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_doc_tab completely? +

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

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