create_named_range · Google MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_named_range does on Google

AI agents use create_named_range 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 create_named_range needs a policy

Creating named ranges is a structural modification to a document (adding bookmarks/anchors). It creates new data structures within Google Docs but does not delete data, execute external code, move financial resources, or perform irreversible operations. The severity is medium because misuse could clutter documents or create unwanted named ranges, but the effect is reversible through deletion.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Create a named range (bookmark) in a Google Doc' - this creates or modifies document structure within Google Docs, which is a reversible write operation.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_named_range Rate-limited

create_named_range 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": {
    "create_named_range": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_named_range_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

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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 create_named_range

What does the create_named_range tool do? +

Create a named range (bookmark) in a Google Doc that can be linked to. 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 create_named_range? +

Register the Google MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_named_range: 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 create_named_range? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_named_range? +

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

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

create_named_range 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.