execute_code

Execute Python, JavaScript, or shell code in a sandboxed process with a configurable timeout.

SERVERCoWork OS SOURCECoWork-OS/CoWork-OS

High RISK CLASS

Category Execute

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Rate-limitedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/cowork-os/execute-code.md

WHAT IT DOES

What execute_code does on CoWork OS

AI agents invoke execute_code to trigger actions in CoWork OS. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call: builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

RISK

Why execute_code is rated High

This tool allows execution of arbitrary code in multiple languages. Even though it runs in a 'sandboxed process,' sandboxes can be escaped, and the tool's core function is to run external code whose effects depend entirely on the arguments provided. This is a classic Execute category tool.

From the tool's definition Tool description explicitly states 'Execute Python, JavaScript, or shell code' — the verb 'Execute' and the supported languages (Python, JavaScript, shell) directly indicate arbitrary code execution capabilities.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs execute_code safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and CoWork OS, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For execute_code, this is the rule to start with:

execute_code Rate-limited

execute_code stays usable, but rate-capped: a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "execute_code": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "execute_code_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect CoWork OS, apply this rule, and every execute_code call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about execute_code

What does the execute_code tool do? +

Execute Python, JavaScript, or shell code in a sandboxed process with a configurable timeout. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the CoWork OS MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on execute_code? +

Register the CoWork OS MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for execute_code: 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 CoWork OS. Nothing to install.

What risk level is execute_code? +

execute_code is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit execute_code? +

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

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

execute_code is provided by the CoWork OS MCP server (CoWork-OS/CoWork-OS). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

KEEP EXPLORING

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Guides

Govern code and CI agents →Agent sandbox →Least privilege for MCP →