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Docker Sandbox

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A generic skill that provides a secure, temporary Docker sandbox for executing generated code (Python, Node.js, bash, etc.). Agents can use this to verify th...

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About This Skill

# Docker Sandbox

> Execute and verify code securely inside isolated temporary containers.

Problem

Agents frequently generate code (Python, JS, Shell scripts) that they need to test before presenting a final solution. Running this code directly on the host machine poses significant security and stability risks.

Solution

The `docker-sandbox` skill establishes a pattern for agents to provision a temporary, isolated container environment using Docker. Code executes inside the container, captures standard output and error, and cleans up immediately after completion.

Features

  • Host Isolation - Runs code securely away from the host system's file tree and environment variables.
  • Ephemeral Execution - Containers are automatically destroyed (`--rm`) after the process exits.
  • Multi-environment - Supports Python, Node.js, Go, or any Docker-supported runtime.
  • Resource Controls - Hard constraints on memory and CPU avoid runaway processes.

Usage Guide (For Agents)

When evaluating or testing code, use the following execution abstractions via the host terminal. Prepare your code in a local temporary directory (e.g., `./.sandbox/`), then mount it in the container.

1. Python Verification

Run a python script securely with constrained memory and CPU.

```bash # Create a test script mkdir -p .sandbox echo 'print("Hello from Docker Sandbox!")' > .sandbox/main.py

# Execute in python sandbox docker run --rm \ --memory="512m" \ --cpus="1.0" \ --network none \ -v "$(pwd)/.sandbox:/app" \ -w /app \ python:3.10-slim python main.py ```

2. Node.js Verification

Evaluate JavaScript / Node.js safely.

```bash docker run --rm \ --memory="512m" \ --cpus="1.0" \ --network none \ -v "$(pwd)/.sandbox:/app" \ -w /app \ node:18-alpine node main.js ```

3. Bash/Shell Verification

Test shell scripts in a generic Alpine environment.

```bash docker run --rm -v "$(pwd)/.sandbox:/app" -w /app alpine sh script.sh ```

Security Guidelines

  1. Mount Minimization: Never mount sensitive host directories (e.g., `/etc`, `~/.ssh`, or `/`) into the sandbox. Mount only the specifically designated `.sandbox` or task-related directory.
  2. Network Isolation: By default, include `--network none` in the command to prevent the code from exfiltrating data or initiating unwanted network requests, unless network access is functionally necessary for the test.
  3. Privileges: Never use `--privileged` mode or run containers mapped directly to the root user of the host if preventable.

Use Cases

  • Run AI agent tasks in isolated Docker sandbox containers for security
  • Execute untrusted code in sandboxed environments with resource limits
  • Provide agents with disposable environments that reset after each task
  • Test deployment scripts in sandbox containers before applying to production
  • Isolate agent file system access to prevent unintended host system modifications

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • +Container isolation prevents agent tasks from affecting the host system
  • +Resource limits control CPU, memory, and disk usage per sandbox
  • +Disposable containers ensure clean environments for each task execution

Cons

  • -Container startup adds latency compared to running tasks directly on the host
  • -Only available on claude-code and openclaw platforms
  • -Docker dependency means sandboxing is not available on systems without Docker

FAQ

What does Docker Sandbox do?
A generic skill that provides a secure, temporary Docker sandbox for executing generated code (Python, Node.js, bash, etc.). Agents can use this to verify th...
What platforms support Docker Sandbox?
Docker Sandbox is available on Claude Code, OpenClaw.
What are the use cases for Docker Sandbox?
Run AI agent tasks in isolated Docker sandbox containers for security. Execute untrusted code in sandboxed environments with resource limits. Provide agents with disposable environments that reset after each task.

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