run_container
Launch a container
Part of the Docker MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.
WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL
AI agents invoke run_container to trigger processes or run actions in Docker. Execute operations can have side effects beyond the immediate call — triggering builds, sending notifications, or starting workflows. Rate limits and argument validation are essential to prevent runaway execution.
WHY ENFORCE A POLICY ON RUN_CONTAINER
run_container can trigger processes with real-world consequences. An uncontrolled agent might start dozens of builds, send mass notifications, or kick off expensive compute jobs. Intercept enforces rate limits and validates arguments to keep execution within safe bounds.
RECOMMENDED POLICY
Execute tools trigger processes. Rate-limit and validate arguments to prevent unintended side effects.
tools:
run_container:
rules:
- action: allow
rate_limit:
max: 10
window: 60
validate:
required_args: trueSee the full Docker policy for all 19 tools.
DETAILS
MORE DOCKER TOOLS
fetch_container_logs Read list_containers Read list_images Read list_networks Read list_volumes Read create_container Write create_network Write create_volume Write SIMILAR EXECUTE TOOLS ON OTHER SERVERS
call-actor Apify boot_simulator Appium setup_wda Appium install_wda Appium auth0_deploy_action Auth0 auth0_publish_form Auth0 RELATED READING
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does the run_container tool do?
Launch a container. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Docker MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.
How do I enforce a policy on run_container?
Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for run_container. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Docker MCP server.
What risk level is run_container?
run_container is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.
Can I rate-limit run_container?
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the run_container rule in your Intercept 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 run_container completely?
Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for run_container. 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 run_container?
run_container is provided by the Docker MCP server (ckreiling/mcp-server-docker). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
ENFORCE POLICIES ON DOCKER
Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.