Sand Boxed Python Execution

[mdancho84]

Sandboxing Python code execution involves creating an isolated environment where untrusted code can run without compromising the security of your system. Here are a few methods to achieve this:

1. RestrictedPython:

• What it is: A library that restricts the Python language features available to the sandboxed code.
• How it works: It provides a safe subset of Python by disabling potentially dangerous features like file system access, system calls, and certain built-in functions.
• Example:

from RestrictedPython import safe_globals, safe_builtins
from RestrictedPython.Eval import compile_restricted

code = """
print("Hello, world!")
"""

byte_code = compile_restricted(code, filename='', mode='exec')
exec(byte_code, safe_globals, safe_builtins)

2. PyPy Sandbox:

• What it is: A sandboxed version of the PyPy Python interpreter.
• How it works: It isolates the execution of Python code within a separate process and limits its access to system resources.
• Example:

import pypy.interpreter.sandbox

code = """
print("Hello, world!")
"""

pypy.interpreter.sandbox.run_in_sandbox(code)

3. Docker containers:

• What it is: A technology that allows you to run applications in isolated containers.
• How it works: You can create a Docker container with a minimal Python environment and run untrusted code within it. This provides strong isolation as the container has its own file system and network namespace.
• Example:

Dockerfile

FROM python:3.9-slim

WORKDIR /app

COPY code.py .

CMD ["python", "code.py"]

Build the image

docker build -t my-sandbox .

Run the container

docker run --rm my-sandbox

4. CodeJail:

• What it is: A library specifically designed for sandboxing Python code.
• How it works: It uses Linux namespaces and AppArmor profiles to restrict the capabilities of the sandboxed process.
• Example:

from codejail.jail import Jail

with Jail() as jail:
jail.execute("print('Hello from the sandbox!')")

Choosing the right method:

• For simple use cases: RestrictedPython is a good starting point.
• For stronger isolation: PyPy Sandbox or Docker containers provide more security.
• For fine-grained control: CodeJail offers advanced capabilities like limiting CPU time and memory usage.

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